Tired legs vs crisis in Spanish Cup semi

Wednesday sees FC Barcelona entertain Valencia in the first leg of their King's Cup semi-final with a question mark hanging over the form of both sides.

Although Barca lead the BBVA Primera Liga, a busy fixture calendar has taken its toll on Luis Enrique's players, something which appeared obvious as they struggled to kill off nine-man Atletico Madrid at the weekend.

The Barca coach will no doubt look to rotate some players against Valencia with Alex Vidal, Sergi Roberto and perhaps Munir all getting a start and there is a chance that Leo Messi may be rested after he received a nasty blow on his knee from a Felipe Luis foul at the weekend.

Neymar will also be under the spotlight following Tuesday his court appearance over irregularities involving his transfer to the club and the player recently admitted that the pressure had affected him recently.

If Barca have problems, however, then Valencia have far more. The side coached by Gary Neville has slipped worryingly close to the relegation zone as their club have yet to win any of the eight BBVA Primera Liga games they have played since Neville's surprise appointment.

Sunday saw them surrender their unbeaten home record to Sporting Gijon and a heavy defeat in the Camp Nou would only serve to heighten the pressure on the coach.

Valencia were strengthened on Monday by the loan signing of Denis Cheryshev, whose appearance for Real Madrid in the Cup when suspended cost Madrid their place in the competition.

In theory Cheryshev could play against Barcelona, although the reality says Neville will want him to have a couple of training sessions before putting him into the side.

The second semi-final is played on Thursday with Sevilla at home to Celta Vigo in a tie where Sevilla will kick off as slight favorites. Endit