Valverde's three dilemmas

After the first international break of the season, Barça are preparing to return to La Liga action this Saturday with the derby against Espanyol at the Camp Nou. And there are three big decisions facing Ernesto Valverde in the run-up to the game.

DEMBÉLÉ OR DEULOFEU

DEMBÉLÉ OR DEULOFEUThere has been a lot of focus on whether Dembélé, Barça’s most expensive signing ever, will make his debut on Saturday in a front three with Messi and Suárez. The fact that he has barely trained with the first team squad due to the international break and has had no time to develop an understanding means the Deulofeu may be preferred in the starting eleven after two good performances against Betis and Alavés.

ONE SPACE LEFT IN CENTRAL MIDFIELD

ONE SPACE LEFT IN CENTRAL MIDFIELDAssuming that Valverde will go with a classic 4-3-3, the last midfield place is up for grabs on Saturday. With Busquets seen as indispensable and Sergi Roberto fresh after not being called up by Spain this week, the last place will go to one of Paulinho, Rakitic and Iniesta. Rakitic has been carrying an injury so his involvement is doubtful. Iniesta has played 161 minutes with Spain this week and may be rested ahead of the game against Juventus on Tuesday, leaving Paulinho to complete the midfield.

THE RIGHT BACK SPOT

THE RIGHT BACK SPOTThe last doubt is who will fill the right back slot, where Semedo and Aleix Vidal are fighting to be seen as the first choice. The Portuguese played against Betis, while Aleix played against Alavés. The Espanyol game will be a sign of who is currently favoured.

It is hoped that Semedo will start to show his attacking instinct that led Barça to pay €30 million for him. So far, the Portuguese has been quite conservative in his play in order to avoid defensive errors. However, Aleix has not been able to find consistency in his game so far and has sometimes seemed to lack an understanding with his teammates.