Predicted XI

Pedri is the star - How Barcelona could line up versus Valencia

The 18-year-old was superb against Real Sociedad in midweek and he will likely retain his place for Ronald Koeman's side

 
10:10am on Friday 18th December 2020
By
Paul Macdonald

Barcelona's 18-year-old prodigy Pedri produced another fine display in the 2-1 defeat of Real Sociedad and he will likely be given the nod again versus Valencia.

The playmaker is wowing La Liga with his game intelligence and poise on the ball and the more minutes he gets, the more he will evolve into a key Barcelona player for years to come.

Frenkie De Jong, also excellent in netting the winning goal against La Real in midweek, will likely partner Sergio Busquets and Pedri as part of the midfield three.

The team showed more balance in attack with Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi and Martin Braithwaite working well together and that trio will likely continue with Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele still injured.

That would mean no starting position for Philippe Coutinho, with the Brazilian continuing to struggle to make any kind of impact, and who has now moved down the pecking order at Camp Nou.

In defence, Clement Lenglet was surprising dropped, and it will be interesting to see if Koeman retains the inexperienced duo of Ronaldo Araujo and Oscar Mingueza as his central pair.

Sergino Dest and Jordi Alba will continue on the flanks, the latter netting a superb goal against Real Sociedad.

Barcelona v Valencia: Predicted XIs

Barcelona v Valencia - Football tactics and formations

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