TEAM NEWS: Cristian Tello starts for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao as Adriano replaces Carles Puyol

Mar 31, 2012 8:20:00 PM

Both sides have rested several key players for the Camp Nou clash, with European exertions in mind

Cristian Tello has been handed a start by Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola for the visit of Athletic Bilbao.

The 20-year-old will start alongside Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez in a front three for the Catalans. Elsewhere, Adriano returns to the fold at left-back to replace Carles Puyol as Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique start in the centre of defence.

Meanwhile, Thiago Alcantara comes in for Xavi in central midfield as Seydou Keita, who played 90 minutes in midweek against AC Milan misses out.

For Athletic, Marcelo Bielsa has also opted to shuffle his pack, with the Basques having played a mere 48 hours ago away to Schalke.

Iker Muniain and Fernando Llorente have been rested in favour of Ibao Gomez and Gaizka Toquero, while Ander Herrera and Fernando Amorebieta drop out.

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Adriano; Busquets, Thiago, Iniesta; Alexis, Messi, Tello

Subs: Pinto, Puyol, Pedro, Montoya, Cuenca, Xavi, Keita

Athletic Bilbao (4-3-3): Iraizoz; Iraola, Javi Martinez, Ekiza, Aurtenetxe; Iturraspe, De Marcos, Inigo Perez; Ibai, Susaeta, Toquero

Subs: Ramalho, Llorente, Amorebieta, San Jose, Raul, Herrera, Muniain

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