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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Liam Prenderville

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde faces huge Philippe Coutinho call for Liverpool clash

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has one big call to make for his side's clash with Liverpool in the Champions League.

The Reds travel to the Nou Camp for the first leg of their semi-final on Wednesday night.

The clash will be the first time Barca stars Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho have faced off against their former employers since their Anfield exits.

And while Suarez is certain to lead the line for Barca against Liverpool, Coutinho's involvement is less clear.

The Brazilian's form has been much-improved in recent weeks and he scored a stunner against Manchester United in the last round.

Coutinho in action for Barca (Getty Images)

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But SPORT reports Valverde has a decision to make on whether Coutinho will start against his former club.

It is suggested 10 of the 11 positions in his line-up are pretty much secure with one attacking berth up for grabs, as Valverde decides between Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele.

Coutinho has started Barca's last two matches against Alaves and Levante but Lionel Messi will return to the starting line-up to captain the La Liga champions.

Dembele meanwhile has recovered from injury and it is suggested Valverde believes he will add an extra dimension to the Barca attack.

Will Dembele get the nod against Liverpool? (REUTERS)

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Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start in goal with Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba at full-back. Clement Lenglet is set to get the nod alongside Gerard Pique in central defence, with Samuel Umtiti missing out.

A midfield three of Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic and Arthur will start with Messi and Suarez arguably the first two names on the team sheet.

Barca welcome Liverpool to the Nou Camp on Wednesday night before the return at Anfield next week.

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