Barcelona predicted lineup vs Athletic Club - La Liga

Barcelona continue their La Liga campaign on Saturday when they host Athletic Club at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

The Catalan giants got their season off to a winning start last weekend by beating Valencia 2-1 despite a raft of injuries and absentees. The Hansi Flick era's successful start was indebted to a brace from Robert Lewansdowski, whom the German manager frequently relied upon during their time together at Bayern Munich.

Athletic Club will pose a similarly tough test for Barcelona this weekend as selection issues continue to plague Flick. Barcelona have now lost Ilkay Gundogan to Manchester City, leaving them even lighter in midfield, while influential centre-back Ronaldo Araujo is also sidelined. Dani Olmo's registration issues continue to prove a frustration.

Here is how Barcelona could line up against Athletic Club.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)

GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen - He hasn't convinced with some of his recent displays but there is still nobody better between the sticks in the Barcelona setup. Athletic Club will be looking to test any nerves.

RB: Jules Kounde - The Frenchman is well and truly a right-back now and has blossomed in such a role to offer Barca greater defensive security. He will be firmly tested by La Blaugrana transfer target Nico Williams.

CB: Pau Cubarsi - Araujo's injury means that Cubarsi has had to shift across to the right-hand side of defence having broken through on the left side of a centre-back partnership last term. He had a mixed game against Valencia last time out.

CB: Inigo Martinez - Not the man that Barcelona would have ideally wanted marshalling their backline but Martinez certainly has plenty of experience. He'll be aiming to frustrate his former employers.

LB: Alejandro Balde - An encouraging display against Valencia will do Balde's confidence the world of good at the beginning of a new campaign. Given he hadn't played a competitive fixture since January, it was an impressive outing.

DM: Marc Casado - The 20-year-old only has a handful of Barca appearances under his belt but he looked like one of the experienced heads against Valencia last time out. With Gundogan having departed and Frenkie de Jong and Gavi still injured, he has a chance to shine under Flick early doors.

DM: Marc Bernal - The 17-year-old understandably showed a few signs of nerves against Valencia but his performance was overwhelmingly positive. Another La Masia wonderkid with a bright future.

RW: Lamine Yamal - Yamal continues to offer something completely unique to Barca's forward line with his energy, speed and direct running. Grabbed his first assist of the new campaign last time out.

AM: Pedri - A timely return for Pedri given Barca's lack of midfield options and the Euro 2024 winner should operate in a number ten role against Athletic Club. Got a few minutes against Valencia to sharpen him up.

LW: Raphinha - The Brazilian continues to evade the exit door in Catalonia and could be a handy asset for Flick this season. Should return to the left flank after being forced to play in an attacking midfield role last weekend.

ST: Robert Lewandowski - Flick certainly knows how to get the best out of Lewandowski and that was evident against Valencia. He may not have seen an awful lot of the ball but his intelligence and excellent finishing ability made him the match-winner.

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