As always seems to be the case, Barcelona are enjoying the lions share of possession, but with Deportivo as organised as ever in defence, the Barca attacks are being limited to sideways passes across the penalty area. Neither Leo Messi nor David Villa are seeing much of the ball, with Mascherano and Iniesta orchestrating proceedings from midfield, while it’s clear Depor, who have abandoned their five man defence in favour of a 4-2-3-1 formation will look to hit Barcelona on the break.
Dani Alves, Xavi and Sergio Busquets have all been rested by Guardiola, which just goes to show the strength in depth available to the Catalan manager. All three join new signing Afellay on the bench, with Keita, Mascherano and Adriano all making their way into the starting XI. On first impression it looks like it might well be a frustrating night for Barca, but we all know that it only takes one goal for them to go on the rampage. It will be up to the Depor defence to make sure that opening goal never materialises. In attack Deportivo will rely on the predatory instincts of young Adrian to make the most of any chances that come his way.
TEAMS:
Deportivo La Coruña: Aranzubia; Laure, Colotto, Lopo, Manuel Pablo; Antonio Tomás, Rubén Pérez, Juan Domínguez, Saúl, Desmarets y Adrián
Barcelona: Valdes, Adriano, Piqué, Puyol, Abidal, Mascherano, Keita, Iniesta, Pedro, Villa, Messi