Barcelona‘s challenge ahead of their match against Real Betis brings some selection headaches for Ernesto Valverde.

With Philippe Coutinho out injured, Lionel Messi returning from injury and Ousmane Dembele dropped from the squad to face Betis, there’s a high chance that Malcom, who impressed in his cameo against Inter in the Champions League, will get the nod.

Given the intensity of the fixture, Valverde might decide to risk Messi and in that case, his tactics will vary to a great extent from what we’ve seen so far.

The ‘Messi’

Messi has always been the focal point for every manager he has played under and Valverde is no different. The Argentine is allowed a free role in the centre as he tries to provide the frontline with plenty of key-passes such that the conversion of even half of them can ensure Barcelona a resounding victory.

Real Betis play a high line and Messi, in partnership with Alba and Suarez, can hurt them on the counter. Watch out for the five-time Balon d’Or winner’s cross-field balls to Alba which is followed by a square pass from the Spaniard which he finishes first time.

Inverted winger

Rafinha started off well in Messi’s absence but has failed to live up to the promise. Malcom might make a strong case for a starter on the right wing against Real Betis. In either case, we will see an inverted winger on the right with Sergio Roberto stretching the play.

This opens the possibility for long range efforts from the half-space, keeping Pau Lopez on his toes at all times. Malcom’s ability to shoot from distance makes him a crucial player in this tie if he’s picked up.

Jordi Alba will be the major attacking threat on the other wing, with Munir playing more narrow. Ivan Rakitic finding Alba in space like he’s done very often this season will be key.

The Betis triangles

Real Betis and Barcelona find their principles emerge from the same root – juego de posicion. Quique Setien plays a high risk – high reward brand of football with wingbacks practically playing as wingers in his 3-5-2 formation which shifts to a 3-4-3 at times.

Betis build from the back, with keeper Pau Lopez playing the ball short to one of his three central defenders. Marc Bartra, Sidnei and Aissa Mandi are some of the best ball-playing defenders in the league and the latter often fancies a cross-field balls to find Junior Firpo in space.

William Carvalho, Andres Guardado and Sergio Canales form triangles and patiently play the ball front, with Canales being the most creative and decisive player entering the final third.

Target set: Sergi Roberto

Betis will be looking to cause all sort of problems to Barcelona’s right-back Roberto who will have to work hard to keep up with the in-form Junior Firpo.

Firpo has been Los Verdiblancos’ main threat on the left. The 22-year-old will be looking to exploit the left wing and dink in key-passes while doing short work of his Spanish counterpart. For all his attacking flair, involvement in build-up and ability to step up in clutch fixtures, Roberto has not been the stable full-back you’d put your money on.

With Takeshi Inui being an option on the bench, Betis might target the left flank in order to get something from the game.

The similarity in the philosophies of these two teams makes it an exciting affair, one you wouldn’t want to miss.