Line-ups: Eibar-Barca

Luis Enrique names a youthful Barcelona XI for this evening’s encounter with Eibar in La Liga – the first of its kind at Ipurua.

The changes start in defence, where Martin Montoya, as expected, replaces the suspended Dani Alves on the right, with Adriano filling in for Jordi Alba down the opposite flank. Jeremy Mathieu is also given a rest as Marc Bartra takes his place at centre-back.

Further up the pitch, a new-look midfield sees Sergi Roberto and Rafinha both start ahead of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, while Ivan Rakitic is pushed into the ‘Sergio Busquets role’ as the screen in front of the back four.

Finally, Douglas Pereira features for the first time since November in what is an under-strength Barca squad likely being saved for the Champions League last-16 second leg against Manchester City at Camp Nou next week.

A win for Barca today would see them open up a temporary four-point lead atop the League table, with Real Madrid not due in action until tomorrow, while Eibar will be desperate to end a run of seven straight defeats.

Eibar: Jaime; Boveda, Ekiza, Navas, Lillo, Vila; Javi, Errasti, Borja; Saul, Manu

Subs: Irureta, Anibarro, Capa, Arruabarrena, Lekic, Boateng, Piovaccari

Barcelona: Bravo; Montoya, Pique, Bartra, Adriano; Sergi Roberto, Rakitic, Rafinha; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Subs: Ter Stegen, Douglas, Mathieu, Mascherano, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro

Referee: Del Cerro Grande

La Liga - Club News