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TEAM NEWS: Lionel Messi leads Barcelona in attack as they travel to Malaga in the Copa del Rey
Having drawn 2-2 at Camp Nou, the Blaugrana call on their big guns for the game at La Rosaleda, as they look to set up a Clasico semi-final showdown with great rivals Real Madrid
| Bet: | Returns: | Sociedad $25.00 | Draw $35.00 | Real Madrid $25.00 |
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As is usual in the Copa del Rey, Pinto starts in goal, while at centre-back Gerard Pique is partnered by Javier Mascherano.
The reigning champions, who were held to a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Camp Nou last week, name a strong midfield and attack, with Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas forming a trio in the centre of the pitch, and Messi, Pedro and Iniesta their frontline.
Jordi Roura leads the Catalan side from the dugout tonight as coach Tito Vilanova receives medical treatment in New York, while club captain Carlos Puyol, who recently signed a new contract, is named on the bench.
Malaga bring back a host of first-team players as they start this second leg on the front foot having scored twice at Camp Nou, and Roque Santa Cruz, Weligton and Joaquin all play having not featured in the first leg.
Elsewhere, Isco misses out in midfield, as Manuel Pellegrini lines his side up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Joaquin playing just off Santa Cruz in attack.
Malaga (4-4-2): Kameni; Gamez, Demichelis, Weligton, Eliseu; Seba, Camacho, Iturra, Duda; Joaquin, Santa Cruz
Subs: To follow
Barcelona (4-3-3): Pinto; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Cesc; Pedro, Messi, Iniesta
Subs: Valdes, Adriano, Puyol, Song, Thiago, Alexis, Villa
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