Barcelona will entertain Athletic Bilbao at the Nou Camp this Saturday as they look to secure all three points at home in La Liga. The Catalan outfit managed to earn a hard-fought 2-1 win away at Valencia recently which should keep them in good spirits ahead of this game.
Hansi Flick will set his players up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make some changes to his first XI for this contest. Pedri and Dani Olmo will both get a chance to play from the start of this game.
4-2-3-1 Barcelona Predicted Lineup To Face Athletic Bilbao
Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen will function in goal for the Catalan club after conceding one goal in his last league appearance. Pau Cubarsi will get another chance to impress alongside Inigo Martinez at the centre of Flick’s defence as they try to keep the visitors quiet during the 90 minutes.
Jules Kounde will be a nailed-on starter at right-back while Alejandro Balde opes to catch the eye on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will have to pick and choose their moments to join in on the attack.
Andreas Christensen will be available for selection on the bench as he offers cover for the centre-half positions.
Midfield
Marc Casado and Pedri will operate as Barcelona’s holding midfielders as they look to win the 50-50 battles at the centre of the park. The talented trio of Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal will operate just ahead of them as part of Flick’s attack. All three of them need to combine well in the opponent’s half so that they can create enough chances for the Catalan giants to win this clash.
Marc Bernal and Ferran Torres will be named on the bench as they wait for their chance to make an impact in the second half if required.
Attack
Robert Lewandowski will spearhead Barca’s attack in the final third. He would be eager to find the back of the net after scoring a brace in the win over Valencia last weekend.
Pablo Torre will have to be content with a place on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the final quarter if Barcelona are in need of a goal.
