The Barcelona lineup that should start against Granada
By Tom Gott
Having quietly climbed their way back into the La Liga title picture, Barcelona must switch their focus over to the Copa del Rey as they will travel to face Granada in the quarter-final on Wednesday.
Having lost the Super Cup final to Athletic Club, Barça will know this could be their best chance at domestic silverware this season, so Ronald Koeman will undoubtedly throw out a strong side to try and book a spot in the semi-final.
Let's take a look at how he should set up.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Neto (GK) - Neto has to wait until cup competitions for his minutes at Barcelona. Expect Marc-Andre ter Stegen to be given a rest for this one.
Sergi Roberto (RB) - After two months, a muscle injury and 26 positive COVID-19 tests, Roberto finally returned last time out against Athletic, and he may be given the nod from the start here.
Clement Lenglet (CB) - Having lost his spot in the team recently, Lenglet will be desperate to impress and force his way back into the picture.
Ronald Araujo (CB) - Now one of the first names on the team sheet at Barcelona, Araujo will expect to keep his place.
Junior Firpo (LB) - Barcelona declined to offload Firpo in January, suggesting they still have a use for him. If that's not this kind of game, then I don't know what is.
2. Midfielders
Sergio Busquets (DM) - Suspended for the visit of Athletic, Busquets should be raring to go for this one.
Riqui Puig (CM) - Puig's only two starts of the season have come in this competition, and even though he deserves more, he'll have to settle for more minutes against Granada.
Miralem Pjanic (CM) - With a hectic February schedule coming up, Frenkie de Jong could be rested in favour of the underwhelming Pjanic, who is yet to really settle in at Camp Nou.
3. Forwards
Francisco Trincao (RW) - Another of those without a La Liga start this season, Trincao needs to use the minutes in cup competitions to force his way further up the pecking order.
Lionel Messi (ST) - Messi's in red hot form these days and has been vital to Barcelona's resurgence. Koeman will be reluctant to rest him just yet.
Antoine Griezmann (LW) - This might end up being Martin Braithwaite, but Griezmann has been in good form of late and deserves to keep his spot in the team.