Setien facing biggest selection issues since taking over at Barça

With a number of players missing, La Liga in play and contradictory sensations after a grey performance in Napoli, Quique Setien is preparing for his first Clasico as Barcelona coach. It will probably be the toughest lineup he has had to pick since he took over. Not just because what's at stake, but because of the circumstances surrounding the team. 

There are no doubts between the posts, where Marc ter Stegen is untouchable. In defence, there are various possibilities: Nelson Semedo at right-back and Gerard Pique in the middle are givens, but the second centre-back and the left-back positions are not as certain. Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti are fighting for minutes alongside Pique. Either one could start. 

On the left, it will all depend on Jordi Alba's fitness. If he can, Setien will risk the defender from the start. If there are too many doubts following a recent injury, Junior Firpo will play. 

In the middle, both Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong are likely to start. From there, there are a number of possibilities, with Arthur Melo as a candidate. to be the third midfielder and Arturo Vidal also with a chance of being in the XI. Ivan Rakitic's recent performances would appear to have distanced him from the debate, all though he has been one of the most-used midfielders by Setien. 

ALL DEPENDS ON THE SHAPE 

Everything will come down to the formation: if Setien wants to strengthen the midfield and play with four in the middle, it's likely to be Busquets, De Jong, Arthur and Arturo Vidal. Rakitic will wait his turn from the bench. In that scenario, there are no doubts about the front two: Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann. 

But if Setien goes for 4-3-3, he will have to choose between Ansu Fati and Martin Braithwaite.