Semedo, Coutinho and Aleña: the last call for Barça's flight to Lyon

Semedo, Coutinho and Aleña: the last call for Barça's flight to Lyon

Aleñá viene rindiendo a un gran nivel
Aleñá viene rindiendo a un gran nivel | sport

There are two places up for grabs in Valverde's XI for the Champions League game

It's in the big games when players see the exact role their manager has for them. Rotations give way and the team hierarchy comes into play. Tuesday's game at Lyon is important for Barcelona. Coach Ernesto Valverde will have to make some decisions. There are two main issues on the table: Sergi Roberto or Nelson Semedo at right-back? Who replaces Arthur? Probably Arturo Vidal. 

Saturday's game against Real Valladolid is the last call for some players to book their place in the side against Lyon in the Champions Legaue. Semedo and Sergi Roberto are battling for the fourth spot in defence. The Portuguese has progressed a lot and is a safer bet in defence, while the academy product links better in attack. Which ever one of them plays against Valladolid (they could both played if Jordi Alba's rested) will have one final chance to exhibit their qualities.

So far this season, injuries to Sergi Roberto means Semedo has the slight advantage, playing 150 minutes more. But the former has started five of the last six league games. 

The other place up for grabs will be taken by Vidal, Carles Aleña or Coutinho. Even though the Chilean is the obvious favourite to take Arthur's place in midfield, the other two could push their case on Saturday and change Valverde's mind. Aleña has won the fans round with good performances, but Coutinho's still trying to find himself. Aleña is likely to start against Valladolid and from there it will depend on him to make his coach's decision hard.