The continued absence of captain Carlos Puyol means that midfield maestro Sergio Busquets is once more forced into action as an auxilary centre half, while Pedro also sits out the Champions League quarter-final battle against Ukranian side Shakhtar Donetsk at the Camp Nou. Andres Iniesta pushes into the front three to make up for Pedro’s benching, meaning a start for Seydou Keita in the midfield. Javier Mascherano takes Busquets’ vacated role as the midfield destroyer.
FC Barcelona Vs. Shakthar Donetsk, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Barcelona Lineup
Despite the re-juggled lineup, Barcelona still have their most potent threats available. Dani Alves will start at right back, Xavi will work his magic in the centre of the pitch, and both David Villa and Lionel Messi start in the forward three - fears about the latter’s health following a muscle problem picked up during international duty with Argentina prove unfounded.
Barcelona (4-3-3): Victor Valdes; Adriano, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Dani Alves; Javier Mascherano, Seydou Keita, Xavi; Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, David Villa.
Substitutes: Gabriel Milito, Ibrahim Afellay, Maxwell, Bojan Krkic, Pedro, Ruben, Tiago.
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