Ernesto Valverde, in search of lost solidity against Tottenham
Barcelona are poised to return to 4-4-2 at Wembley after some bad results
The problem has been detected and this is the first step to a solution. Barcelona have been leaking goals and that is not good enough. But deciding that is the first step in the chain, the hard thing is solving the problem. Valverde has switched to a 4-3-3 this season but is thinking about returning to last year's 4-4-2 against Tottenham at Wembley, to be more solid.
The difference is that Paulinho is not here. Who will play his role? That's the big question ahead of the clash with Spurs.
THE ARTHURS
They have a totally opposite profile. Arturo vidal is physical, works a lot without the ball, whereas Arthur is best on the back, keeping it away from opponents. Vidal is the most similar substitute to Paulinho, while the Gremio player offes something different but it's hard to imagine Busquets, Rakitic and Coutinho won't start.
STANDARD DEFENCE
Ter Stegen will play with Semedo at right-back (Sergi Roberto is injured), Pique and Lenglet in the middle (Umtiti suspended and injured) and Jordi Alba has no replacement.
Up front Messi and Suarez are the two players that were in the forward line in the 4-4-2 last seasonand have a monopoly on that. Dembele will have to settle for a place on the bench.
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