After a long wait, Barcelona FC returns to EA Sports La Liga action after the international break.
The Catalan giants will mark their return to club football with a highly anticipated match against Athletic Bilbao.
Xavi and his men are in no rush to participate in the matches at the Montjuic stadium.
The Blaugrana are currently in 4th place behind Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Girona.
Regardless of placement, the differences between points are very small and at this point even the smallest of margins can tilt the standings.
With that in mind, every point will count when Barcelona take on Bilbao.
Here Barcelona can face their Basque rivals.
Expected Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
There is no doubt about who Barcelona’s target is. The German goalkeeper has played a key role in Barcelona’s campaigns in the past and will continue to aim for the same heights in the future. Now that he is the captain of Barcelona, a lot of responsibility will fall on his shoulders in the future.
Left back: Marcos Alonso
Alejandro Balde resumed his training after the previous discomfort. However, if it is still too early, there is a strong possibility that he will come off the starting bench.
Instead, Spanish veteran Marcos Alonso is likely to start at left-back for Barcelona, who has not seen regular game time.
Central defender: Andreas Christensen
The Danish centre-back remains a permanent asset for Xavi and Barcelona.
Lack of time means he wants more minutes, but he may get his chance against Bilbao.
With Jules Kunde injured and Ronald Araujo tired, the Dane could get his chance.
Center back: Inigo Martinez
With both Cunde and Araujo likely to miss out or sit on the bench against Bilbao, Inigo Martínez is likely to be selected alongside Christensen.
A clash with his former team will be an added motivation to show that he can always get results, regardless of the team he plays for.
Right: Joao Cancelo
The Portuguese defender played a key role in victory during his loan spell at Barcelona.
His creative contributions and technical mastery of the game are key qualities that have allowed him to succeed at the Catalan club.
CDM: Oriol Romeu
Oriol Romeu, Xavi’s only pivot specialist, is likely to start.
Although his recent performances have not been elite, he has the ability and quality to reverse this poor form and bring him back to Barca.
CM: Gabi
The young Golden Boy winner remains important to Xavi and even Luis de la Fuente.
His tenacity, technical excellence and technique are essential for Barcelona.
His impact will be decisive if Barca are to comfortably beat Athletic Bilbao.
CM: Fermin Lopez
Ilkay Gundogan is likely to start on the bench as he returned relatively late from the national team.
Instead, youngster Fermin Lopes has all the qualities Barcelona need to deliver a light and dynamic performance.
Left wing: Joao Felix
Roberto Martinez has been unstoppable during the international break with the national team and there has been nothing but praise for the 23-year-old.
Intelligent, cunning and incredibly versatile, Felix is a great asset for Barça.
With Lewandowski still out, Felix will be one of the key players to score goals.
Center forward: Ferran Torres
Robert Lewandowski is injured and Ferran Torres still has a chance.
The former Manchester City Spaniard could score another goal against Bilbao.
Ironically, they were the first team to concede a goal when Ferran Torres first arrived at Barcelona.
Right back: Ramin Yamal
Under favorable circumstances, Ramin Yamal will make his debut against Bilbao.
The 16-year-old, who recently recovered from discomfort, currently has no other natural right-hander to fill his role in this match.
For more updates on Barcelona news, please visit sportsearchers.com
