Brazil midfielder Arthur retains spot in Barcelona XI for tricky trip to Valencia

David Cooper - Writer 22:24 07/10/2018
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  • Arthur retained his spot in the Barcelona midfield for Sunday evening’s La Liga trip to Valencia (22:45 UAE KO), with Thomas Vermaelen’s replacement of centre-back Clement Lenglet the only change.

    Arthur, 22, excelled during his first Champions League start on Wednesday – a 4-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur. Such form convinced head coach Ernesto Valverde to keep faith in the summer buy from Gremio, as the champions attempt to arrest a three-game winless run in the top flight.

    Elsewhere, as the leaders look to stretch their advantage thanks to Real Madrid’s shock 1-0 reversal at Alaves on Saturday, Samuel Umtiti’s injury gave Vermaelen just a second league start of the season.

    His previous run-out, however, was last month’s 2-1 loss at Leganes.

    Valencia came into the match in an unfamiliar 16th place.

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