Murcia vs: Barcelona: Copa del Rey lineup with a wink to the future
Valverde could give minutes to several young players against Murcia
Barça Copa del Rey defence gets under way on Tuesday night
The Copa del Rey will once again serve as a bridge between Barcelona's B team and the first team. Ernesto Valverde keeps an eye on Barça B and it's expected that many young players will be given a chance in the Blaugrana side on Tuesday.
So far, we know those that definitely won't play. Valverde has given a break to six regulars (Ter Stegen, Busquets, Iniesta, Suarez, Messi and Umtiti) and two players that may have been given a chance, Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan, could miss the game injured. Paulinho will also miss the game, in China for three days with the club's permission.
In goal, it's likely to provide a chance for Jasper Cillessen, who will start again after an impressive preseason. At right-back, Nelson Semedo could be used, with a centre-back pairing of Thomas Vermaelen and Javier Mascherano and Lucas Digne at left-back, although there may be a chance for Cucurella.
In midfield, Andre Gomes and Carles Aleña have a good chance of playing from the but the big doubt is who would play with them. Valverde could be more conservative -- and go for Sergi Roberto or Ivan Rakitic -- or he could give an opportunity to Oriol Busquets, a solid player who's doing well for the reserve team.
Up front, Paco Alcacer and Denis Suarez seem likely to start. And Deulofeu or Arnaiz could complete the trident. The latter has been one of the stars of the B team's season so far, with his goals and ability on the ball.
