Watch: Linares Deportivo vs Barcelona, Match Preview

Barcelona begin their Copa del Rey title defence away to third tier side Linares Deportivo, in the competition’s Round of 32, on Wednesday night. Linares knocked out Alavés in the previous round, and will now face Xavi’s Barcelona, who despite over 10 absences, will feel in positive spirits after a good start to the new year.

Linares are expected to be backed by 10,000 of their fans in what will be a sell-out Copa del Rey tie, and one in which VAR will not be in operation. The tie does not have a second leg or a replay, and must be decided on the night.

Xavi is expected to name a rotated Barcelona side of sorts, with the likes of Neto and Samuel Umtiti in line for rare starts. With Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets now fit and available again, the Barça veterans could be introduced to the starting line-up once more, with young stars Álvaro Sanz, Ferran Jutglà and Ilias Akhomach also knocking on the door for starting births. The fixture is set to be a special one for Dani Alves, who six years after leaving Barcelona, is expected to make his second debut for the club, should he be registered in time.