Official: Sergi Roberto starts for Barcelona against Sporting in Champions League
The midfielder looks set to play as the third forward in the continued absence of Dembele
He has been chosen over Deulofeu (who doesn't make the bench), Vidal and Suarez
Barcelona are looking to prolong their spectacular start to the season in Lisbon on Wednesday. The Blaugrana want to win their eighth consecutive game (six in La Liga and one in the Champions League) and confirm the good feelings around Ernesto Valverde's side.
The opposition, Sporting Club, are beatable. But in the Champions League there are no easy games. For that reason, the Barça coach, to avoid any surprises, has bet on his best team. That means a return to the side for Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets, who were all rested against Girona. Valverde continues to act with common sense, rotating in the less competitive matches.
Lionel Messi will once again be the team's reference in Lisbon. The Argentine will equal Carles Puyol's appearances for the club (593) and will therefore only trail Xavi (767) and Andres Iniesta (637). His next challenge is to score his 100th goal in Europe: so far the has 96 in the Champions League and three in the Super Cup.
Valverde's only surprise selection is Sergi Roberto. With Ousmane Dembele, it was impossible to select the Gala XI, so there was one place up for grabs. Instead of Gerard Deulofeu, Aleix Vidal or Denis Suarez, Valverde has opted for Sergi Roberto.
The teams are:
SPORTING CP: Rui Patricio; Piccini, Mathieu, Coates, Coentrao; Battaglia, William Carvalho, Acuña; Bruno Fernandes, Doumbia, Gélson Martins.
FC BARCELONA: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Piqué, Umtiti, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Sergi Roberto, Messi, Luis Suárez.
