FC Barcelona announces squad for Copa del Rey first leg against Sevilla.

The Blaugrana will play the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals away to Sevilla.

Start for Kevin-Prince Boateng?

Following an outstanding win against Leganés at the weekend, Barcelona returns to action with the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarterfinal tie against Sevilla, away from home at the historically tough Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. These two teams last faced in the Copa in last season’s Final, with Barça putting on an all-time great performance and thoroughly destroying Sevilla by 5-0.

Now they will face twice in a week, and this Sevilla side at home always love to make it tough for Barça. The Blaugrana will play the first leg without Lionel Messi, which is somewhat of a gamble from Ernesto Valverde. New signing Kevin-Prince Boateng to make his debut.

Lionel Messi & Busquets getting night off

The big news is that new signing Kevin-Prince Boateng is already included in the squad, he’s there to provide attacking depth. Valverde once again opts to rest Lionel Messi, with Sergio Busquets getting the night off.

Predicted starting XI (4-3-3):
Cillessen; Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Vidal, Rakitic, Arthur; Malcom, Suárez, Coutinho