Barcelona will play host to Atheltic Club de Bilbao on Sunday evening at the Camp Nou Stadium. This Matchday 21 fixture will present the Catalans with an opportunity to avenge the defeat from the Spanish Super Cup Final against their Basque counterparts.
During that fixture, Barca lost after additional time and it seemed like a very dark moment in FC Barcelona’s history. However, the team has turned things around since then and seem to be heading on the right track despite a minor hiccup midweek against Rayo.
Ronald Koeman will be without a handful of players courtesy to injuries and suspension. Ansu Fati, Gerard Pique, Philippe Coutinho, Sergino Dest and Moussa Wague are all unavailable. The availability of Sergi Roberto is also in doubt who is just making his return from injury. Sergio Busquets will not be a part of the proceedings as well due to his suspension.
Here’s how Barcelona could take to the field against the Basque giants –
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up Against Athletic Bilbao
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up Against Athletic Bilbao
Defence
Marc Andre Ter Stegen will take command between the sticks and replace Barca’s Cup goalie, Neto, in goal. Oscar Mingueza will occupy the right back position in the absence of Dest and Roberto. The young defender has done a decent job down the right hand side and helped his side out during a difficult period. A centre back pairing of Ronald Araujo and Clement Lenglet will be shouldering the responsibility of keeping the likes of Williams and Raul Garcia away from the Barcelona goal. Jordi Alba will start at the left back position. The Spaniard was instrumental in the Cules’ win midweek against Rayo.
Midfield
Mirlaem Pjanic seems destined to get his big Barcelona start against Atheltic Club on Sunday with Sergio Busquets out of contention for this fixture. It will be interesting to see how Pjanic goes about his task against the Basque side. Frenkie De Jong will start in midfield without a doubt after a match winning performance earlier this week. Pedri will occupy the third place in midfield and will be most likely placed on the left hand side of the midfield trident. Riqui Puig could be seen later on in the tie off the substitutes bench.
Attack
The Camp Nou faithful would be certainly relieved with the return of Lionel Messi. The Argentine’s importance to the team can not be put in words. Messi was sent off the last time these two teams met and he will be roaring to have a positive and significant impact on the game. The charismatic Argentine will have the two Frenchman, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele, to his either side and it will be an absolute joy to watch these three in action at the Catalan capital.
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up Against Athletic Bilbao
