To be honest, i'd rather see us go big in the midweek, retain the 10 point lead, and then play the big rotations against Atletico...even if we lose, we'd still be comfortably in the lead. Most importantly, 3 days before United, (who won't have a game at all next weekend by the way and will be really well rested), our biggest players would also come more rested into the CL game, which is the absolute priority at this point, since we can screw up a few games in La Liga until the end and still win it.
Big rotations in the midweek are just asking for trouble, we're a lot stronger at the Camp Nou anyway, even if it is against a better opponent. so I'd rather see us go big vs. Villarreal, bring home the win, retain that 10-point lead, and then go easier vs. Atletico at home. But if we see the big rotations vs. Villarreal, we might draw/lose there, the pressure before Atletico game would rise, so EV will then go all out vs. Atletico for sure, which is not something I want to see. Rather we win against Villareal, and go more calmly and with a less strong team against Atletico, we know that we're better at the Camp Nou anyway, so i'd rather see us take care of business away at El Madrigal first, then go easy vs. Atletico, since even a draw/loss there wouldn't be a disaster, plus i'd be better to rest the big players 3 days before CL, not 7. Not to mention the Atletico game will be tough as hell, Atletico will be motivated and very aggressive, injuries could happen, fatigue (physical and mental) will be high there, and right before CL, that is not a sight you want to see. Rather we give players like Umtiti, Malcom, Alena, who have something to prove, a chance against Atletico, let the biggest players rest mentally as well, and be prepared to let it all out against United, not Atletico.
