Vermaelen is Valverde's big doubt for top-of-table Valencia clash
Valverde is without the suspended Pique or the injured Mascherano
Belgian defender Vermaelen should come into the side for the game
Barcelona meet Valencia in the weekend's big La Liga game. If they win, they will move seven points clear at the top of the table. Valverd will pick his strongest team, but the absence of Gerard Pique and the final forward role provoke two doubts. Paco Alcacer has gained credit in the last two league games against Sevilla and Leganes.
The accumulation of yellow cards by Pique and the injury to Javier Mascherano practically oblige Valverde to pick Vermaelen, who has only played in the Copa del Rey this season. Valverde didn't want him to leave in the summer so it would be logical to pick him at Mestalla, given there are unlikely to be many more chances to play the Belgian.
Valverd could also seek solutions in Lucas Digne, Sergio Busquets or a B team player. However, Vermaelen seems the most likely option.
El 'Txingurri' will stick with Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal. The German's been in form this season. Nelson Semedo, Samuel Umtiti and Jordi Alva will acoompany, if selected, Vermaelen. Without Pique, the rest will have to show why they are the La Liga side to have conceded the least goals this season. Semedo continues in Sergi Roberto's absence.
The midfield will be the usual: Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta, with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez ahead of them. Alcacer could be the third forward with Ousmane Dembele injured. But it's not been ruled out that Paulinho or Gerard Deulofeu could come into the team. On Sunday, all thr doubts will be answered.
