The starting XI Valverde has in mind for the Copa del Rey final

The starting XI Valverde has in mind for the Copa del Rey final

La posible alineación que tiene pensada Valverde para la final de Copa entre Barça y Sevilla / | SPORT.es

His rotations against Celta showed the clear difference between starters and substitutes

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has achieved one of his objectives for the business end of the season, which was to have his first choice starting 11 available for the Copa del Rey final and everything indicated he will be able to deploy it against Sevilla on Saturday.

Ivan Rakitic is the only player who needed to be wrapped in cotton wool but now the Croatian is available after finger surgery, Valverde has his 'gala 11' ready.

Valverde is likely to play Jasper Cillessen in goal instead of Marc-Andre ter Stegen as he has done in every game in the Copa del Rey, but every other player in front of the Dutchman will be a first choice starter.

The coach will pick the same four man defence which has served him so well throughout the season, leaving aside the debacle against Roma in the Champions League. Sergi Roberto will play at right back, with Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti playing at the heart of defence and Jordi Alba lining up at left back.

Sergio Busquets will be the holding midfielder and in the next two training sessions the club will determine whether he can play the game normally or if he will need another painkilling injection as in recent games following his foot injury. The fact he was rested against Celta meant he could work properly on the damaged zone and he should be in perfect condition when he takes to the pitch at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Rakitic will play alongside 'Busi' after recovering from finger surgery and Andres Iniesta will be responsible for the team's creativity in midfield, with Philippe Coutinho playing further forward just behind top scorers Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, who complete a formidable starting line-up which should be able to beat Sevillla and allow Barça to lift the Copa del Rey for an incredible 30th time.