Bartra and Alexis set to start in Munich, Messi in squad

Barça coach Tito Vilanova seems to have his starting XI for Bayern clear in his mind: Valdés, Alves, Piqué, Bartra, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, Messi, Alexis.

 In view of coach Tito Vilanova's rotations for Barcelona's La Liga encounter against Levante on Saturday - and with injured defenders Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano unavailable alongside Adriano, who is suspended for European duty - the Barça eleven for their Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich appears to offer little room for doubt. The main change to Vilanova's side for Tuesday's clash against the Bavarians is expected to see the inclusion of Marc Bartra and Alexis Sánchez. Young defender Bartra did not feature in Barça's league win over Levante at the weekend. Meanwhile, Chilean Alexis was a late substitute for Cristian Tello against 'Los Granotes' (Pedro was also a second-half substitute, while David Villa played the full 90 minutes) and his work-rate could be key to keeping Munich full-back Philipp Lahm in check. Both Alexis and Bartra are in the Catalans' squad, which also includes Lionel Messi. However, the Argentine is still waiting on the all-clear from the Barça medical staff, with a final fitness test scheduled for Monday.
With Víctor Valdés a certain starter in goal, the defence - which has caused the Camp Nou outfit the greatest headache - seems to pick itself. Nevertheless, the selection of Sergio Busquets or Alex Song at centre-back cannot be ruled out; both have occupied this role on numerous occasions. If Vilanova opts to name one of the duo in his backline - a move which is unlikely given his recent line-ups - the other will play in midfield. What is not up for negotiation is that the La Liga leaders' midfield will be comprised of one holding midfielder behind two creative players such as Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. Having played the whole of Saturday's match, Cesc Fàbregas will be kept in reserve on the bench. In attack, Messi's participation in training means that his return to the team is all but assured. After their mild exertions against Levante, Pedro and Alexis (who seem the best equipped to support Dani Alves and Jordi Alba in suppressing the attacking intent of Bayern full-backs Lahm and David Alaba) look set to join Barça's star man up front.
Vilanova therefore appears to have his starting eleven clear in his mind: Valdés, Alves, Piqué, Bartra, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, Messi and Alexis. Frenchman Eric Abidal has demonstrated that he is a dependable replacement in central defence, while full-back Martín Montoya will also be among the substitutes. Song and Thiago will offer back-up in midfield, with Tello, Cesc and Villa as potential impact substitutes.