Huesca vs. Barça: Valverde to ring changes ahead of United

FC Barcelona's win over Atletico Madrid last weekend had enormous value for Ernesto Valverde. They were three points which gave him some space to plan for the Champions League game against Manchester United.

The Barça coach has the luxury of being able to rotate against Huesca this weekend because his side are 11 points clear with just seven games to go. 

Valverde was already without two players due to suspensions anyway. Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez both picked up their fifth bookings of the season against Atletico.

After the win at Old Trafford on Wednesday, it quickly became obvious that Messi would not travel to Huesca on Saturday, either. The Argentine took a knock to the face and will rest up ahead of Tuesday's second leg at Camp Nou. 

As well as Messi, Sergio Busquets will also rest. The midfielder's played a lot of games this season. 

As well as those four, two other regulars are also out. Ivan Rakitic missed training on Friday with a fever and will not feature in Huesca. Sergi Roberto has also been ruled out with a small muscle problem. He should be OK for United. 

The  absence of Roberto has seen Senegal international Moussa Wague called up. He soulc even start at right-back, with Nelson Semedo and option as left-back is Jordi Alba is given a place on the bench. 

In midfield, there's no specific pivote. Arturo Vidal's played there once before in the Copa del Rey when Sergi Samper got injured. Another option would be Jean Clair Todibo -- who played there when younger and in the Catalan Super Cup -- or even Arthur Melo. 

In attack, Malcom and Kevin Prince Boateng should get some minutes. Valverde will have to decide what to do with Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele, too.