Gerardo Martino's debut lineup for Barcelona features no big surprises despite missing three names you might have expected to be there.
Barcelona vs. Levante: Lineups
Gerardo Martino’s first meaningful starting lineup with Barcelona leaves three notable names on the bench after mid-week international friendlies.
Defender Jordi Alba and midfielder Andrés Iniesta both traveled -- and played -- to Ecuador for a mid-week friendly, so they both start on the bench after logging some serious frequent flyer miles. The much anticipated debut of summer signing Neymar will have to wait as well as he starts on the bench after playing against Swizterzland on Wednesday.
Adriano gets the start at left back with Alba on the bench while Cesc Fábregas, who overcame an ankle injury, replaces Iniesta in the midfield. Lionel Messi also starts after passing a late fitness test on his slightly injured thigh.
Barcelona starting lineup (4-3-3): Victor Valdés; Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, Javier Mascherano, Adriano; Sergio Busquets, Xavi; Cesc Fàbregas, Pedro Rodriguez, Lionel Messi, Alexis Sánchez.
Levante starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Keylor Navas; Pedro López,David Navarro, Héctor Rodas, Juanfran; Simão Mate, Sergio Pinto; Rubén Garcia, Nabil El Zhar, Jordi Xumetra; David Barral.
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