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Barcelona vs Athletic Club – Match preview and team news
Barcelona will play their first home league match of the season at the Camp Nou as they host Athletic Club on Thursday in a midweek game.
Barcelona vs Athletic Club – Match preview and team news
Date: Thursday, 27th August.
Kick-off: 8pm BST.
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona.
Barcelona team news
FC Barcelona are poised to hand a highly anticipated club debut to marquee summer signing Rodri, who has successfully completed consecutive training sessions following a minor back operation and will likely feature from the bench.
Manager Hansi Flick looks set to reshuffle his defensive line at the Spotify Camp Nou, with Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé, and João Cancelo all expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested in the previous fixture.
However, the Catalan giants face a setback in midfield as Gavi is highly unlikely to feature after sustaining a heavy knee contusion against Elche.
Although tests ruled out a serious ligament injury, he missed the squad’s final training session.
Gavi joins long-term absentees Frenkie de Jong, who is recovering from a knee injury, and Roony Bardghji. Joan García is expected to start in goal, protected by Andreas Christensen alongside Cubarsí.
Atheltic Club team news
Athletic Club manager Edin Terzić faces a severe squad selection crisis due to a combination of injuries and disciplinary suspensions.
Left-back Yuri Berchiche is completely ruled out of the clash after picking up an early red card against Sevilla, which clears the way for Adama Boiro to deputise in defence.
The Basque side’s medical room remains crowded, with Dani Vivian, Unai Egiluz, and Nico Serrano all officially sidelined, while midfielder Beñat Prados is also out.
Furthermore, Andoni Gorosabel and forward Maroan Sannadi face late fitness tests to determine their availability.
On a positive note, Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte is fully fit and scheduled for his first start of the campaign in central defense.
Nico Williams has successfully shaken off recurring physical issues and will line up on the left flank opposite his brother, Iñaki Williams.
Form
Barcelona
Barcelona enters this matchday in sensational form after executing a flawless 5-0 demolition of Elche to kick off their campaign. Under Hansi Flick, the team has shown immense tactical sharpness and high-scoring dominance. Barcelona has now won three of their last five league matches. Their fluid attack is firing on all cylinders, averaging over two goals per game across this recent stretch.
Athletic Club
Athletic Club is desperate to steady the ship after suffering a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Sevilla in their opening match. Edin Terzić’s squad has struggled for consistency, managing no wins in their last five league outings. Defensive vulnerabilities have plagued the Basque side, conceding 11 goals in that brief span while searching for rhythm.
Predicted lineups
Barcelona: J. García; Koundé, Christensen, Cubarsí, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri, Fermín López; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon.
Athletic Bilbao: Simón; Álvarez, Paredes, Laporte, Boiro; Gerenabarrena, Ruiz de Galarreta; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta.
How to watch Barcelona vs Athletic Club?
You can watch the Barcelona vs Athletic Club match live in the UK on Premier Sports 2.
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