TEAM NEWS: Iniesta rested as Guardiola opts for 3-4-3 formation against Levante

Apr 14, 2012 8:10:00 PM

The 27-year-old midfielder is left out of the starting line-up in preparation for the club's midweek Champions League fixture as the Blaugrana start with a three-man backline

Pep Guardiola has once again opted to field a 3-4-3 formation in light of defensive injuries to face Levante on Saturday evening.

Carles Puyol, Javier Mascherano and Adriano complete a three-man defence with the Blaugrana choosing to name a very attacking line-up.

Andres Iniesta is rested with the 27-year-old on the verge of making his 400th appearance for Barcelona, while Cesc Fabregas returns from suspension to take his place in the middle of the field.

Thiago also comes into the team in place of Isaac Cuenca as the Catalans look to secure their 11th consecutive victory in La Liga. Pedro, Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez lead the attack.

Levante have made five changes from the team who lost to Sporting Gijon 3-2 on Wednesday with Pedro Lopez, Gustavo Cabral, Xavi Torres, Barkero and Pedro Botelho all coming into the team.

Levante (4-2-3-1): Munua; Pedro Lopez, Ballesteros, Cabral, Juanfran; Xavi Torres, Iborra; Valdo, Barkero, Botelho; Kone

Subs: Navas, Serrano, Juanlu, Ghezzal, Suarez, Farinos, Navarro

Barcelona (3-4-3): Valdes; Puyol, Mascherano, Adriano; Busquets, Thiago, Xavi, Fabregas; Pedro, Messi, Alexis

Subs: Pinto, Alves, Pique, Tello, Cuenca, Montoya, Iniesta

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