TEAM NEWS: Villa returns to starting XI for Barca's clash with Osasuna

Jan 27, 2013 5:15:00 PM

The former Valencia man has been handed a start as Tito Vilanova's men look to bounce back from the league defeat against Real Sociedad last week

Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura has handed a start to David Villa as the Catalan side welcome Osasuna to Camp Nou in the Spanish Primera Division on Sunday evening.

The Blaugrana were defeated 3-2 in their last La Liga match, and with El Clasico on the horizon, Roura has made some alterations to his starting XI.

Gerard Pique is suspended, so club captain, Carles Puyol will partner Javier Mascherano in the centre of defence. Adriano is preferred to Jordi Alba at left-back.

Andres Iniesta has been rested, with Thiago Alcantara making up the midfield trio alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets.

Lionel Messi pulled out of training on Friday but has shook off any knocks to feature from the start.

Osasuna boss Jose Luis Mendilibar has opted for Joseba Llorente in attack ahead of top goalscorer, Kike Sola, who settles for a place on the bench. The former Villarreal striker will be supported up top by Miguel De las Cuevas, Oier, and Alvaro Cejudo.

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

Subs: Pinto, Alexis, Alba, Fabregas, Song, Bartra, Iniesta

Osasuna (4-3-2-1): Fernandez; Bertran, Arribas, Flano, Nano; Lolo, Loe; Oier, Cejudo, De las Cuevas; Llorente

Subs: Nino, Sola, Silva, Masoud, Punal, Ruben, Ricardo

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