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Champions League

Philippe Coutinho could be the man to hurt Tottenham's Champions League hopes

Barca set to rest players against Spurs

Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho
Barcelona star Philippe CoutinhoCredit: David Ramos

Champions League Group B
BT Sport 3, 8pm Tuesday

All eyes will be on the teamsheets as Tottenham's Champions League hopes potentially depend on whether Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde selects his star players.

Spurs need to at least match Inter's result at home to PSV to qualify, so they will be presuming they need a win at Camp Nou to progress to the last 16, a task made easier by the fact Barcelona are already assured of top spot.

The ease-off factor combined with the potential for Valverde to rest his big hitters leaves Barcelona in the unusual position of being rated odds-against to claim maximum points.

Barca were in exactly the same situation 12 months ago when they had already guaranteed top spot and were hosting a Sporting side who still held ambitions of reaching the last 16.

Lionel Messi was a substitute and Valverde also rested Jordi Alba, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Sergio Busquets, but it was still a strong side with Gerard Pique, Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez starting. Nelson Semedo even played despite being a yellow card away from suspension and was duly booked again.

However, the Catalans are definitely weaker as a squad this season with Andre Gomes, Lucas Digna, Paco Alcacer and Aleix Vidal all starters on that occasion but no longer at the club.

Malcom is injured and Ousmane Dembele in the manager's bad books after oversleeping and missing training on Sunday, so if the reserves are required it is likely to be a more youthful side.

Defenders Juan Brandariz and Juan Miranda Gonzalez have started both the club's Copa del Rey matches this season, along with midfielders Oriol Busquets, Carles Alena and Denis Suarez plus forward Munir.

Those looking for clues may be interested to see Clement Lenglet was chosen to represent Barcelona at the pre-match press conference and Valverde ruled Luis Suarez out of starting during that briefing, while confirming changes would be made.

Clement Lenglet fronted the media on Monday
Clement Lenglet fronted the media on MondayCredit: David Ramos

Philippe Coutinho, who usually operates from the left channel, was one of those who did not start Saturday's 4-0 derby win at Espanyol and is likely to get the nod, which makes him an interesting first goalscorer selection after he broke the deadlock in the 4-2 win at Tottenham earlier in the campaign.

Spurs have problems at right-back with Kyle Walker-Peters likely to start and he could be in for a tough night against Coutinho.

Tottenham have the firepower to give themselves a chance against a possible weakened Barca back four with Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Heung-Min Son all in good form, but that is more than reflected in the artificial match prices.

Recommendation
P Coutinho first goalscorer
0.5pt each-way 15-2 Betfair, Paddy Power

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com


Team news
Barcelona
Samuel Umtiti, Sergio Roberto and Rafinha are injured, but Arthur returns. Ernesto Valverde will make changes with Luis Suarez among those to be rested from the start.

Tottenham
Serge Aurier, Kieran Trippier, Mousa Dembele, Juan Foyth, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, Davinson Sanchez and Victor Wanyama have not travelled to Spain. Erik Lamela returns.

Key stat
Tottenham have scored in 31 of their last 32 away matches.


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