I think Pep was expected to rest several players today for a very obvious reason. Dortmund are the priority clearly. Even though today did not go as expected the rags still have to win their two games in hand to reduce our lead and three more than City do before we have to win another point. Our lead is still a handsome - and possibly a decisive - one. If it is intact when we play Villa Pep can rotate as much as ever: if not ... might be a different story.
But today's changes seem to me to have caused some possible problems for Wednesday. Today's team included all our left backs; Cancelo and Zinchenko played all 90 minutes, Mendy all but 15 and Ake was substituted after an hour for tactical reasons. I assume Pep does not intend to play a back three and we don't know Laporte is fit yet to play anywhere on Wednesday. So, left back?
The others to play all 90 minutes were Ferna, Bernado, Jesus and Raheem. At 36 Ferna cannot play twice in three days which is a shame because his influence alongside Rodri in what may be a tense last 20 minutes or so. And Bernado would appear to be pencilled in to start on Wednesday either in midfield or up front as a false 9. Jesus also played all 90 but may be brought on against Dortmund to replace Bernardo probably.
As our game next week end is the semi I presume rotation will not be great since we cannot afford to lose, which could could cause difficulties of selection for the league game against Villa. A Spurs victory tomorrow would therefore be very welcome.