Mascherano starts as Barcelona take on APOEL with Messi looking for another record

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is taking on APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus without four of his key pieces: Jeremy Mathieu, Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Neymar all start on the bench.

It means Marc Bartra gets a start in defence, with Javier Mascherano and Rafinha coming in in midfield and Pedro in attack.

Mascherano, therefore, will be in the middle of the pitch, as opposed to starting in defence.

Jordi Masip, Douglas, Martin Montoya and Sergi Roberto were the players left out of the squad; they will watch the match from the stands.

Barça's starting lineup is: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Bartra, Alba; Rakitic, Mascherano, Rafinha: Luis Suarez, Messi, Pedro.

And APOEL have gone with: Urko Pardo; Sergio, Guilherme, Carlao, Antoniades, Gomes, Vinicius, Morais, Aloneftis, Manduca, Sheridan.