4-3-2-1 Barcelona’s predicted line up vs Chelsea: What will be Valverde’s strongest XI?

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Chelsea are set to host Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday night.

Chelsea are planning to become the first team to beat Barcelona this season in the Champions League but the Blues will definitely have to play at their highest level if they wish to pick up all three points against Ernesto Valverde’s side. We take a look at Barcelona’s predicted line up for Tuesday night.

BARCELONA TEAM NEWS:

The biggest miss for Valverde will be Philippe Coutinho who is unavailable for the European tie because he is cup-tied having played for Liverpool in the group stages. Thomas Vermaelen has made it to the matchday squad but the defender remains a serious doubt owing to a hamstring injury.

Gerard Pique and Umtiti will be the central defensive partnership against Chelsea while Jordi Alba will be the left-back and Aleix Vidal will be in right-back.

Valverde will definitely not play around with his midfield combination – meaning the trio of Busquets, Iniesta and Rakitic will take the field on Tuesday night. Busquets will play as the defensive midfielder while Iniesta and Rakitic will play in central midfield.

The attacking third will feature Lionel Messi on the right flank and Dembele on the left while Luis Suarez will play as the lone striker.

BARCELONA’S PREDICTED LINE UP:

Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen.

Defence: Alba, Umtiti, Pique, Vidal.

Midfield: Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic.

Attack: Messi, Suarez, Dembele.

Barcelona's predicted line-up vs Chelsea
Barcelona’s predicted line-up vs Chelsea

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