TEAM NEWS: Lionel Messi, Pedro & David Villa all start for Barcelona in away clash against Sporting Gijon

Adriano also comes in for the Catalan giants, who may opt for a 4-3-3 formation in the match at El Molinon

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has opted to start with a front three of Lionel Messi, Pedro and David Villa for this evening's trip to face Sporting Gijon.

Guardiola is missing a number of key players, with Andres Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez, and Cesc Fabregas all out for various periods of time with hamstring injuries.

Ibrahim Afellay is likely to be out for the season after his cruciate ligament injury. Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique are still not 100 per cent fit, so Javier Mascherano and Eric Abidal come in at the centre of defence.

Sporting Gijon: Juan Pablo; Lora, Botía, Ivan Hernandez, Canella; Rivera, Nacho Cases; Oscar Trejo, Andre Castro, De las Cuevas; Barral.

Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Mascherano, Abidal, Adriano; Busquets, Xavi, Thiago; Pedro, Messi, Villa.