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Barcelona team news: Predicted 4-3-3 line up vs Slavia Prague – Suspended stars available
Barcelona will be boosted by the return of two suspended players ahead of their Champions League clash with Slavia Prague tonight (8pm BST).
Barcelona: Team arrive in Prague ahead of Slavia clash
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has Gerard Pique and Ousmane Dembele available for selection ahead of the Catalan giants’ return to Champions League action against Slavia Prague.
The pair were suspended against Eibar at the weekend but could feature here, although only Pique is assured a starting berth in central defence.
The Spanish defender was sidelined for the 3-0 win due to an accumulation of yellow cards but will replace the injured Samuel Umtiti alongside Clement Lenglet.
Meanwhile, Dembele was given his marching orders for dissent in the 4-0 victory over Sevilla after protesting at the dismissal of Ronald Araujo.
He is currently serving a two-match domestic ban so is available to play in the Champions League, but it remains to be seen if Valverde opts to shuffle his starting XI.
The star-studded frontline of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann were all on target against Eibar and the postponement of next Saturday’s El Clasico means the trio are more likely to get the nod once again.
Likewise, Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets are expected to once again be joined by Arthur in central midfield after emerging as Valverde’s preferred options this season.
Arturo Vidal could step in if the Barca manager rotates but Ivan Rakitic is out of favour while Carles Alena and Carles Perez were both left out of the travelling squad.
Jordi Alba will continue at left-back as Junior Firpo is still nursing a knock while Nelson Semedo will continue at right-back with Sergi Roberto sidelined.
Barcelona are currently second in Group F after victory over Inter Milan last time out thanks to a double from Suarez.
The win eased the pressure on the La Liga outfit, having drawn with Borussia Dortmund away from home in their opening fixture.
However, Slavia Prague will be a tough test with the Czech champions boasting a clean bill of health ahead of tonight’s clash.
Barcelona predicted line-up vs Slavia Prague - Champions League
(4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, De Jong, Arthur; Messi, Griezmann, Suarez