David Villa starts for Barcelona in trip to Deportivo

The Spain international returns to the starting XI for the Blaugrana, as he makes only his second start in the league this season following the broken leg he suffered last year

Tito Vilanova names David Villa in Barcelona's starting line-up for their Primera Division match against Deportivo this evening, while there are also four further changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Real Madrid in their last Liga outing.

Martin Montoya replaces the injured Dani Alves at right-back and Alex Song comes in to the team to partner Javier Mascherano at centre-back despite Adriano playing in that role against Real Madrid.

In midfield Xavi makes way for Andres Iniesta, who completes a midfield three with Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Busquets.

Upfront Cristian Tello starts alongside Lionel Messi and David Villa, as Pedro is named as a substitute despite impressing for Spain during the recent international break.

Deportivo name a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, with just the one change from their side that lost 2-1 to Rayo Vallecano in their last league match, as Ayoze replaces Evaldo at left-back.

Deportivo (4-2-3-1): Aranzubia; Laure, Ze Castro, Marchena, Ayoze; Aguilar, Bergantinos; Bruno Gama, Valeron, Pizzi; Riki

Subs: Lux, Evaldo, Aythami, Dominguez, Camunas, Salomao, Oliveira

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Montoya, Song, Mascherano, Alba; Cesc, Busquets, Iniesta; Tello, Messi, Villa

Subs: Pinto, Bartra, Adriano, Dos Santos, Xavi, Alexis, Pedro