Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao: Predicted starting XI for a must win game

The Barcelona defense has managed to keep three straight clean sheets since the restart. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has had a huge hand in that and will be looked upon once again against Athletic Bilbao.

As mentioned, Sergi Roberto will miss the game which means another start for Nelson Semedo. The Portuguese right-back put in a competent performance last time out but nothing spectacular. He’s one of the few out there with speed and is going to have to do better in the final third to provide Barcelona with a threat down the right flank.

In any other scenario, Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet would be automatics in the middle of defense. But with this being the fourth game in such a short amount of time, Pique may be due for a rest. He’s 33-years-old and was on the receiving end of a pretty bad challenge against Sevilla.

At the same time, because it’s an important match against a tough opponent, Setien might stick to what he knows and stick with Pique.

Jordi Alba is another name easily penciled in to the starting line-up. He is another one on the wrong side of 30 but since he missed the Leganes match and doesn’t have the over abundance of games, he should be ready to go barring any unexpected injury.

Expected Barcelona defense

Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Right-back: Nelson Semedo
Center-back (right): Gerard Pique
Center-back (left): Clement Lenglet
Left-back: Jordi Alba