The Dembele dilemma
The French forward has started six of the last seven games and could be in the line-up against Madrid
If we look at Ernesto Valverde's recent starting line-ups there is plenty of reason to believe Ousmane Dembele will start against Real Madrid on Sunday.
The only doubt is whether the coach trusts the French winger in a game of this magnitude and with these characteristics.
The main question is whether Valverde will start Dembele in attack alongside Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez or would prefer to strengthen the midfield with Paulinho, assuming that Andres Iniesta is fit to play.
Coutinho is the third alternative that the coach could look at as a third forward or to even take the position Iniesta usually takes up on the left of midfield.
It all depends on whether the Barça captain, who has been feeling discomfort in his calf, is ready too start or if Valverde wants to play him in the second half.
FIRST CLASICo
This is set to be Dembele's first Clasico as he was injured when Barça travelled to Madrid on 23 December, still recovering from his serious hamstring problem.
Dembele has not played as much as he would like this season due to a mixture of injuries and problems adapting, but he has become a regular in the last few games. He has started six of the last seven games. Overall he has played 14 games, playing 721 minutes and scoring one goal
