Valverde rests Messi & Busquets against Athletic pre-Tottenham
The Barça coach has made some surprise calls to end a difficult week
Bacelona have dropped five of their last six points, drawing with Girona and losing to Leganes, but Ernesto Valverde has followed through with his plan of resting Lionel Messi against Athletic Club.
Valverde's facing one of the most dangerous moments of his time in charge of Barça. The Roma catastrophe was forgotten because of the double. But the demands are higher this season. Internally and externally, including the dressing room -- with Messi, captain and leader, at the front.
We will have to see how Valverde reacts to the challenge. But he's taken the brave decision to play without Sergio Busquets or Messi. Nelson Semedo plays at right-back with Sergi Roberto in midfield with Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal. Coutinho will form the attacking trident with Luis Suarez and Dembele.
Messi and Busquets are joined on the bench by Cillessen, Arthur, Rafinha, Munir and Vermaelen.
Teams for FC Barcelona-Athletic:
FC BARCELONA: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Sergi Roberto, Rakitic, Arturo Vidal; Coutinho, Luis Suárez y Dembélé.
ATHLETIC: Unai; Balenziaga, Martínez, Yeray, De Marcos; Beñat, Raúl García, Dani García; Berchiche, Iñaki y Susaeta.
