TEAM NEWS: Xavi breaks all-time Clasico appearance record as Di Maria and Coentrao start for Real Madrid

Xavi breaks the all-time appearance record in Clasico fixtures as he starts for Barcelona at home to Real Madrid in tonight's Liga clash at Camp Nou.

The 32-year-old midfielder, who made his last Clasico appearance on his 32nd birthday earlier this year in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal second leg, breaks a record shared by former Barca defender Joan Segarra and Madrid legends Raul and Paco Gento.

Elsewhere, Andres Iniesta starts in an advanced role in the absence of Alexis Sanchez, who was a big injury doubt for this game, while youngster Cristiano Tello also begins in attack alongside Lionel Messi.

There is no place in the side for Gerard Pique or Cesc Fabregas as Barca looks to eat into Madrid's four-point Liga lead.

Fabio Coentrao is preferred to Marcelo at left back for the visitors, while Angel Di Maria is given a chance to impress alongside Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Karim Benzema alone in attack.

Coach Jose Mourinho has opted for Sami Khedira in midfield alongside Xabi Alonso, while the out-of-form Alvaro Arbeloa is restored at right back.

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Alves, Mascherano, Puyol, Adriano; Xavi, Busquets Thiago; Tello, Messi, Iniesta

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Coentrao, Pepe, Ramos, Arbeloa; Khedira, Xabi Alonso; Ronaldo, Ozil, Di Maria; Benzema