FOOTBALL
Barcelona - Sporting Gijón team news: No Iniesta as Lucho innovates again
Barcelona playing Sporting Gijon at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night and with Jeremy Mathieu injured, Luis Enrique selects Jordi Alba but has a crease in his midfield tactics
It is becoming increasingly difficult to read Luis Enrique's tactics as he shuffled again for Sporting's trip to the Camp Nou on Wednesday night. They need to win to keep pressure on Real Madrid, who play Las Palmas at home later on Wednesday night.
Barcelona team news
Mathieu was subbed against Atletico Madrid late on after a clumsy and late tackle by Angel Correa. He has been replaced by Jordi Alba, who has struggle with injuries himself this season. Sergi Roberto drops to the bench as does Andres Iniesta and in their place come Denis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic. It remains to be seen how Lucho lines up his defense with a flat back four when defending the most likely of the possible outcomes. Gerard Pique drops to the bench too with Javier Mascherano taking his place in a more straight-forward swap.
Barcelona team news: Ter Stegen, Jordi Alba, Mascherano, Umtiti, Sergio Busquets, Denis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Rafinha, Messi, Neymar Suarez.
Sporting Gijón
Jorge Mere is absent as he serves his suspension after receiving a red card during the 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo at the weekend. Carlos Castro gets the nod instead of Lacina Traore with the winter signing failing to score in his last three. Nacho Cases comes in for Mikel Vesga and Moi Gomez is also out of the squad along with Canella despite the former scoring at the weekend as Rubi opts for a more defensive set-up.
Sporting Gijón team news: Cuellar, Lillo, Juan R, Babin, Echiéjilé, Xavi Torres, Sergio Alvarez, Cases, Douglas, Castro, Burgui
Follow the match LaLiga 2016/2017 date 26 : Barcelona –Celta.