Barcelona will look to increase their lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday night when they visit Bilbao to face Athletic Club.
Barca are back in form following victories over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey and Valencia in league action. Athletic have struggled in recent weeks, sitting ninth, and have only beaten Barca in one of their last 18 La Liga games.
Athletic Club team news
Goalkeeper Unai Simon has an Achilles tendon injury so Julen Agirrezabala will continue to deputise between the sticks. Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera and winger Jon Morcillo are ruled out with Achilles and collarbone injuries respectively.
Bilbao’s top league goalscorer Oihan Sancet, who has eight strikes, was sent off late on in the goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano and is suspended here.
The Williams brothers, Nico and Inaki, may both be deployed in attack after that toothless display against Vallecano.
Athletic Club predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Lekue; Zarraga, Vesga; Berenguer, Muniain, N. Williams; I. Williams.
Barcelona team news
Striker Robert Lewandowski has been struggling with a thigh problem but is set to make his return at San Mames, having not played since the defeat at Almeria.
Ronald Araujo’s red card against Valencia means he’s suspended here. Eric Garcia could come into central defence to partner Andreas Christensen, who recently shook off a knock.
Midfielder Pedri is still sidelined with a thigh injury and Ousmane Dembele won’t be available either due to a muscle problem.
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3):
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Garcia, Christensen, Balde; Gavi, Busquets, De Jong; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Torres.
