PSV vs. Barcelona: Rakitic & Coutinho set to return in Champions League clash
Valverde's missing several players through injury, including Suarez
Barcelona face PSV Eindhoven in Holland on Wednesday with the peace of mind that they have already reached the next round of the Champions League. However, they are looking for three points to guarantee top spot in the group before Tottenham visit Camp Nou on Dec. 11.
Coach Ernesto Valverde is not expecting things all his own way, though. PSV are already out of the competition (they are still fighting for third place, which would earn them a Europa League slot) but thet are flying in their domestice league. They have won all 13 games in the Eredivisie and have scored 46 goals, conceding just five.
Barça, meanwhile, are missing several players, including striker Luis Suarez. Who will take his place? Munir El Haddadi is the most obvious opiton, given he's the only other pure No.9 in the squad.
Will it be 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 though? If we keep in mind that Lionel Messi and Munir will start, the next quesiton is whether Philippe Couitnho or Ousmane Dembele join them. Listening to Valverde's pre-game press conference, it seems he likes the France forward off the bench. We will see...
What is clear is Couitnho, recovered from his recent injury, is fit to start. As is Ivan Rakitic, with Sergi Roberto, Arthur and Rafinha all missing in midfield. Sergio Busquets and Vidal should play. Are we looking at a physical midfield? Maybe.
In defence, Nelson Semedo will continue at right-back, while Clement Lenglet could rotate in for Samuel Umtiti.
