Barcelona head coach Tito Vilanova is expected to rest some of his star players for their Copa del Rey match with Alaves on Tuesday night.

Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Xavi are amongst several first-teamers that will miss Tuesday's match while Carles Puyol and Thiago are absent through injury.

David Villa could be handed a start alongside Cristian Tello and Alexis Sanchez in attack while Gerard Pique and Dani Alves could make their return from injury from the substitutes bench.

Alaves, who are currently top of the Segunda Division 'B' table, will be without striker Ruben Negredo after he suffered a knee ligament injury in training.

Recent form

Alaves: LLWWWW

Barcelona: WWDWWW

Possible starting lineups:

Alaves: Martinez; Rubio, Hernandez, Agustin, Luciano; J.Garcia, Beobide, M.Garcia, Sendoa; Viguera, Guzman

Barcelona: Pinto; Montoya, Bartra, Song, Adriano; Dos Santos, Busquets, Espinosa; Tello, Villa, Sanchez

Sports Mole says: 0-3

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