Corberán mulls defensive switch to contain Barcelona | OneFootball

Valencia will host one of LaLiga’s steadiest, free-scoring sides under Hansi Flick, with Raphinha, Lamine and Gordon in form. To cope, Corberán could revert to Pepelu at centre-back, which on paper would leave César Tárrega out.

Tribuna reports that in Friday’s session he tested Arnau Martínez, Diakhaby and Pepelu at the back, with Maffeo on the right and Gayà returning on the left.

In midfield the change looks driven by necessity, more muscle than finesse. Dieng is the likely pivot, though he is not a positional holder like Guido or Pepelu. Javi Guerra should have licence to break forward alongside Ugrinic, while also tasked with creating.

Two attacking berths appear open, with Sato and Hugo Duro favoured. Duro has tended to fare well against Barcelona.

Valencia’s depth is thin. Harvey Elliott is available after recently arriving and wants to contribute despite not being at 100 per cent. Danjuma could be used to attack space, while Otorbi’s bright cameos against Deportivo and Betis keep him in the frame.

The squad know a defeat could quickly darken the mood, since any points for Rayo, Málaga or Elche would lift them clear and drop Corberán’s side into the relegation places. Next up are trips to Sevilla at the Sánchez Pizjuán and Alavés at Mendizorroza, so optimism is in short supply.

Source: Superdeporte

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