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Barcelona team news: Predicted 4-3-3 to face Huesca - Messi RESTED?
BARCELONA manager Ernesto Valverde is set to ring the changes when his side go to La Liga strugglers Huesca today.
Barcelona host Manchester United in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night so should rest a host of stars.
With the La Liga title all-bit wrapped up, Valverde can afford to give his key players the afternoon off in a game they will be expected win no matter starting XI the manager chooses.
Lionel Messi was left bloodied after a clash with Chris Smalling in the first leg of their quarter-final with Manchester United so should be given time to recover before the crucial second leg.
That should mean a rare start for Malcom out wide, while Ousmane Dembele should come in for suspendedLuis Saurez as the main attacker. Those two could switch positions throughout the match, with Philippe Coutinho out on the left.
Although Coutinho started against United and should keep his place for the second leg, the Brazilian is well-rested having struggled for first-team football of late.
Elsewhere, Jasper Cillesen is expected to come in for Marc-Andre her Stegen in goal while Sergi Roberto should come in at right-back and Samuel Umtiti will replace Gerard Pique who is banned.
A lack of cover at left-back means Valverde will be left with little choice but to play Jordi Alba there, although widespread changes are also expected in midfield.
Arturo Vidal should start alongside Arthur and youngster Carles Alena.
Valverde admitted he was planning changes but stopped short of being specific about players.
"We'll see how everyone is, but there's not a lot of turnaround so it's quite possible we'll make changes for Saturday," he said.
After the United game, he revealed Messi would be checked this week after his clash with Smalling.
But regardless of his condition, their talisman is not expected to play any part.
“It’s clear that he was not more comfortable playing after that,” Valverde said.
“He took a big blow and he will have to be examined by the doctors.
“We will have to see how Messi is, but he has a big bruise.”
Barcelona predicted line-up to face Huesca: Cillesen; Roberto, Lenglet, Umtiti, Alba; Alena, Arthur, Vidal; Malcom, Dembele, Coutinho