MX23RW : Tuesday, January 19 13:00:24| >> :60:371:371:
Jan 6, 2021 at 8pm UK at San Mamés Barria
Athletic BilbaoAthletic Bilbao
2-3
BarcelonaBarcelona
Williams (3'), Muniain (90')
Vesga (27'), Garcia (70')
FT(HT: 1-2)
Pedri (14'), Messi (38', 62')
Lenglet (57')

How Barcelona could line up against Athletic Bilbao

Sports Mole looks at how Barcelona could line up for Wednesday's La Liga fixture against Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona go up against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday evening looking to extend their unbeaten record in La Liga to seven matches.

The recent upturn in results has put the Catalan giants in a position where victory at the San Mames Stadium will move the club into third position in the standings.

However, with a number of long-term injuries to contend with, Ronald Koeman will likely make changes for the club's second game in 72 hours.

Here, Sports Mole predicts how Barcelona could line up for the game against opponents who have just appointed Marcelino as their new manager.



BARCXI VS. ATH

Out: Ansu Fati (knee), Gerard Pique (knee), Sergi Roberto (muscle), Philippe Coutinho (knee)

While positives and negatives were taken from the 1-0 victory at bottom-of-the-table side Huesca on Sunday, it is unlikely to influence Koeman's thinking regarding his next XI.

The Dutchman needs to manage the fitness of his squad, and that should lead to Miralem Pjanic getting the nod over veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets.

Having started six games since December 13, Martin Braithwaite could drop out of the team in order to give an opportunity to Antoine Griezmann.

Ousmane Dembele completed 90 minutes for just the third time in two months at the weekend, something which may relegate the Frenchman to the substitutes' bench.

Francisco Trincao, who is without a league start all season, could be drafted into the team, with Lionel Messi taking his place on the opposite flank.

Philippe Coutinho will play no part in this match after it was revealed that he required surgery on a knee injury.

ID:429114:cQx

How you voted: Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona

Athletic Bilbao
15.6%
Draw
15.3%
Barcelona
69.2%
308
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Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman pictured in October 2020
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Koeman pleased with Braithwaite, Dembele
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico1613213162541
2Real Madrid18114330151537
3Barcelona18104437172034
4Villarreal188822617932
5Real Sociedad1986529161330
6Sevilla179352115630
7Granada188372129-827
8Celta Vigo186572228-623
9CadizCadiz186571522-723
10Real Betis187292231-923
11Levante175662324-121
12Athletic Bilbao186392122-121
13Getafe175571518-320
14Valencia184772425-119
15EibarEibar184771518-319
16AlavesAlaves184681623-718
17Real Valladolid184681625-918
18ElcheElche163761421-716
19Osasuna183691527-1215
20Huesca181981428-1412

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