How will Barca line up against Ibiza in the Copa del Rey?

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Time for rotation for Quique Setien

Barcelona kick off their Copa del Rey campaign on Wednesday away at third division side UD Ibiza.

There’s been a change in format to the competition this season, meaning this is a one-off game. The ties do not become two-legged affairs until the semi-finals.

The Spanish champions will also have to play on an artificial pitch which Ibiza manager Pablo Alfaro has already admitted will favour his side.

Those factors may just affect Quique Setien’s thinking for the match, although the new manager is still expected to make plenty of changes.

Here’s a look at who might feature:

Defence

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Neto should replace Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal with Barcelona’s B Inaki Pena also hoping to make the squad as back-up.

In defence the likes of Moussa Wague and Junior Firpo will be hoping for their first starts under Setien in the wide positions.

Clement Lenglet could come back into the starting XI after being replaced by Samuel Umtiti at the weekend, but it is not clear who will partner him in central defence.

Ronald Araujo looked the most likely option but will sit out the game as he is serving a ban after picking up his fifth yellow of the season at the weekend.

Setien may therefore decide to play Gerard Pique or call up another defender from Barcelona B.

Midfield

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Setien is likely to rest his senior midfielders for this game, while Riqui Puig looks a certain starter after an impressive cameo against Granada.

The new Barcelona boss might also see this game as a good opportunity to hand Arthur his first start since December 1 as the Brazilian continues his comeback from injury.

Frenkie de Jong is also an option to start in midfield. He sat out the weekend win over Granada due to suspension.

Attack

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Carles Perez and Ansu Fati have been with the first team all season and should start here, with Lionel Messi expected to get the night off.

Antoine Griezmann could be part of the squad to add some experience in attack, while Alejandro Marques may also get some game time on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old has been a regular in training under Setien over the last week and could be handed his first-team debut.

Possible XI: Neto; Wague, Pique, Lenglet, Junior; Arthur, De Jong, Puig; Perez, Griezmann, Ansu.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Ibiza? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and line-ups in the comments below!

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