TEAM NEWS: Alba back in the starting XI for Barcelona's trip to Sevilla

Sep 29, 2012 8:20:00 PM

The Spain full-back makes his return to the Blaugrana line-up for Saturday evening's Liga match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, while Xavi and Pedro also start for the Catalans

Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has handed Jordi Alba a starting berth against Sevilla tonight, replacing Adriano at left-back after the Brazilian failed to shrug off a muscle injury he picked up during the week.

Elsewherere in the Barca side, Xavi and Pedro return to the starting XI after being named on the bench for last week's 2-0 Primera Division win over Granada.

Xavi lines up alongside Sergio Busquets and Cesc Fabregas in midfield, with Andres Iniesta ruled out of this match after elongating his adductor muscle while on international duty with Spain earlier this month.

Sevilla name an unchanged side from the one that triumphed 2-0 over Deportivo on September 24, with Hedwiges Maduro retaining his place in defensive midfield alongside Guy Medel.

Jesus Navas, Ivan Rakitic and Piotr Trochowski make up the attacking three who will be supporting lone striker Alvaro Negredo in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Palop; Cicinho, Botia, Spahic, Navarro; Medel, Maduro; Navas, Rakitic, Trochowski; Negredo.

Subs: Diego Lopez, Fazio, Luna, Campana, Manu, Kondogbia, Baba.

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Alves, Song, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Fabregas; Pedro, Messi, Alexis Sanchez.

Subs: Pinto, Montoya, Bartra, Sergi Roberto, Thiago, Villa, Tello.

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