MADRID, April 6 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is likely to make sweeping changes to his side when Barca entertain Leganes in the Liga Santander on Saturday night.
Barca are going into the game off a hard-fought 4-1 win at home to Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday, and the lack of recovery time plus the prospect of the return leg in Rome on Tuesday means Valverde will look for fresh legs against a rival in the lower half of the Liga Santander with little but pride to play for.
Sergio Busquets is the first candidate for a rest after being rushed back on Wednesday suffering a broken bone in his foot, while Andres Iniesta will also be rested, with Phillipe Coutinho and either Paulinho and Ivan Rakitic in the starting 11.
Valverde probably will also rest central defenders Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti, with Thomas Varmaelen and Yerry Mina given a chance at the heart of the Barca defense.
Lucas Digne's injury means Jordi Alba will continue at left back, while Valverde has to decide between Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto on the right.
Ousmane Dembele was an unused substitute against Roma, but will partner Leo Messi and Luis Suarez in attack and hope to take advantage of the absence of suspended Leganes left back Diego Rico.
Messi has struggled with a groin injury over the past 3 weeks and wasn't at his best against Roma, but he is likely to play given his importance to the side.
Barcelona will kick off on Saturday with a 9-point lead over Atletico Madrid at the top of the Liga Santander table and knowing they can extend that lead to 12 points ahead of Atletico's difficult game away to neighbors Real Madrid on Sunday afternoon.
