André Gomes in, Ousmane Dembélé and Paulinho out for Barcelona against Celta Vigo | OneFootball

Barcelona fans know they will have to wait a few weeks still to see a super-powered starting line-up featuring new signings Philippe Coutinho and Yerry Mina and the recently fit-again Ousmane Dembélé.

But they have an important matter on their hands on Thursday as they face Celta Vigo in the second leg of their Copa del Rey round of 16 tie.

And Ernesto Valverde has made one or two interesting changes to the starting XI.

Ousmane Dembélé and Paulinho both drop to the bench as part of five changes from Sunday’s 3-0 LaLiga win over Levante.

Gerard Piqué and Nelson Semedo are restored to the side but André Gomes is also trusted with the start, in what could be a four-man midfield with Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic and Andrés Iniesta.

Javier Mascherano, who is rumoured to be leaving the club for China this month, starts next to Piqué in the heart of defence.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez are up top, of course, while Jasper Cillessen takes his place in goal.

By favouring Gomes over Dembélé, Valverde could be looking to pack the centre of the pitch against a talented Celta side. Despite saying he will not play for a scoreless result, Valverde knows that as long as Celta don’t score, Barcelona will go through, even if they draw.

Cynics might argue that Valverde is trying to put Gomes in the shop window ahead of a potential sale.

But it’s also worth noting that Barça travel to Real Sociedad, where they have had trouble in recent years, on Sunday.

With just three days rest, Valverde may be looking to keep certain players fresh and Dembélé, who is still returning to fitness after a long-term injury, is a good candidate.

Celta play with their threatening frontline of Iago Aspas, Maxi Gómez and Pione Sisto.