Barcelona pull no punches as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez all start against Elche in the Copa del Rey tonight.
Luis Enrique was criticised for his decision to bench both Messi and Neymar for last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad, while speculation of a fallout between the Coach and the Argentine has intensified in recent days.
Nonetheless, in a probable act of defiance from the Asturian trainer, La Blaugrana have resisted giving many of their starlets a run-out against the Valencians, instead promoting only Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bartra and Sergi Roberto.
In fact, a total of eight changes have been made by Enrique from the Barca team which failed to impress at Anoeta.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Bartra, Alba; Mascherano, Rakitic, Sergi Roberto; Suarez, Messi, Neymar
Elche: Tyton; Damian, Pelegrin, Roco, Albacar; Pasalic, Lomban; Coro, Fajr, Cisma; Herrera
Referee: Fernandez Borbalan
