After the winter break Valverde really has to improve his squad management.
Busquets, Rakitic, Alba, Piqué and Suárez needs to be rotated more often.
One thing to note is that Messi only played around half of the available minutes, much due to injury and break from Argentina.
In a 'normal' season he would probably be around 90 %. Let's hope he can make use of that extra energy.
Im still sour about last years match. That loss turbed our whole season from epic legendary invincibles to forgetable solid la liga win.
All because Valverde devided to bench Messi for some pointless friendly in South Africa.
Everyone should be well rested by Sunday, and then there is a whole week off before the last game of the year.
As far as who should start among Dembele, Coutinho and Arthur, it is a wonderful thing to have three such choices for two positions. Dembele is so hot these days that he has to start. I'd start Coutinho instead of Arthur in midfield for this game, but Coutinho is also an excellent 1st choice sub.
If there is any rotation, then Vidal should be the choice.