Aliou Dieng may get his chance as Valencia host in-form Barcelona | OneFootball

Aliou Dieng may get his first LaLiga start when Valencia host Barcelona on Sunday, with Guido Rodríguez out and Carlos Corberán eyeing a sturdier core.

According to Superdeporte, Pepelu and Dieng are the two natural pivots available and Corberán could use both to shield his defence.

More than five months after a free move from Al-Ahly, Dieng is still bidding to win full trust. He started only the Teruel friendly, a 0-1 defeat, and scored in the 1-2 loss to Castellón in pre-season. In LaLiga he played 21 minutes against Celta, two versus Betis, then 24 at Deportivo in the 1-3 defeat.

Work this week has focused on three centre-backs and wing-backs. The staff see any chance of points hinging on curbing Barça’s attack and reviving the resolve shown against Celta and Betis.

Pepelu would drop into defence, with César Tárrega the likely casualty, and Pablo Maffeo would take the right flank for injured Luis Rioja.

Dieng has trained as the screening '6'. His presence could aid pressing and cover, while Valencia may lean on quick vertical breaks led by Javi Guerra and counters from Sato and Arnaut Danjuma. David Otorbi has also pushed for minutes.

Barcelona arrive as champions and leaders with 12 goals in three games, five against Elche, two versus Athletic and five at Rayo. Hansi Flick has named 24 players including Gabriel Jesus, so one will be left out.

Source: Superdeporte

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”