No Messi as Barca take on Sporting Gijon

FC Barcelona will be without top scorer and star player, Leo Messi for Saturday's home match against Sporting Gijon. Messi is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season in last Sunday's 2-1 win away to Atletico Madrid, meaning Barca coach Pep Guardiola will have to find a replacement for the player who has scored 28 league goals this season. Pedro Rodriguez could be a possible solution, or Guardiola could opt to start the game with young wingers Isaac Cuenca or Christian Tello. Meanwhile Andres Iniesta will be in the side along with Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets. Guardiola also has to make a change at left back with Eric Abidal out with a muscle problem. Adriano will once again slot in on the left of the defense, while Dani Alves is back on the right. The future of the Barca coach has again captured headlines this week as he takes his time in signing a new contract. That delay has even seen him linked with the vacant England manager's job, although news this Friday hints that Guardiola could be close to agreeing a new deal with his club. Even without Messi, Barca are clear favorites at home to a Sporting side that is second from bottom of the BBVA Primera Liga and six points of safety. Sporting's poor form recently saw Manuel Preciado sacked and former Spain coach Javier Clemente arrive at the club. Clemente has inspired more steel into the Sporting back line and two draws in his first two matches in charge hints that Sporting will be a tough nut to crack. However, as often proves the case with Barcelona, the first goal is always the hardest for the Catalan's to score, once that happens their rivals have to push their defensive lines forward and that allows Barca's extra quality to shine through. Interestingly Clemente was the man who gave Guardiola his debut for the Spanish national side 20 years ago.