FC Barcelona will return to action for the first time since they got a very convincing victory against Chelsea in the Champions League.
After getting a big win against Chelsea in mid-week, Barcelona returns to La Liga action this weekend. Athletic will travel almost 400 miles from San Mames to Camp Nou for this classic encounter. The Catalans will be looking to extend their tremendous unbeaten run against Valverde’s former club on Sunday. Despite the high of winning against Chelsea, Barca are going to this game without their midfield maestro Sergio Busquets. Although he played well, the Spanish midfielder fractured his toe against Chelsea and is out for three weeks.
Carles Alena to feature against Bilbao?
The absence of Sergio Busquets has paved the way for 20-year-old Carles Alena. Carles Alena is one of the finest players in the Barcelona B squad. Alena has constantly featured for Barcelona’s senior side in Copa del Rey this season making his debut last season in that very competition under Luis Enrique. Despite not getting to play much for the Barca first team, Ernesto Valverde is believed to be a huge admirer of him. Alena had previously drawn attention from England but chose to stay at the Catalunya capital where many see him as the successor of Legendary Xavi Hernandez.
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Barcelona vs Athletic Club in previous meetings
Barcelona faces Athletic Bilbao having won the last 8 La Liga games between these sides by an aggregate score of 22-3. Lionel Messi has scored in his last 4 appearances against Athletic and needs 1 goal to reach 25 in La Liga for a 9th straight season.
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Despite how well he’s played, Luis Suarez is set to miss this important clash against Athletic due to suspension. He picked up his 5th yellow card against Malaga in the last La Liga match before facing Chelsea. In addition to Suarez missing out, Nelseon Semedo, who picked up an injury 3 weeks ago, will miss the clash along with Thomas Vermalaen.
Barcelona squad vs Athletic Club: Ter Stegen, Cillessen, Sergi Roberto, Aleix Vidal, Umtiti, Yerry Mina, Pique, Digne, Andre Gomes, Paulinho, Rakitic, Iniesta, Alena, Coutinho, Dembele, Messi, Alcacer.
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Overall, many of these players must step up against Athletic. Carles Alena and Paco Alcacer are two names to keep an eye on. In addition to that, Ousmane Dembele is looking to build on his great performance against Chelsea. Also, look for Philippe Coutinho to get a chance at featuring for the Blaugrana in this match.