Barcelona predicted lineup vs Athletic Club - Copa del Rey
By Max Parsons
Barcelona travel to Athletic Club on Thursday night as last year's Copa del Rey finalists meet at the round of 16 stage.
La Blaugrana ran out 4-0 winners in last season's final, although have been anything but glorious this term. Xavi's men currently sit sixth in La Liga's table, miles away from their usual title-challenging expectations and are without a win in their previous two, being held to a draw against Granada and most recently losing to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals.
They'll have to beat a notoriously firm Athletic side to overturn that form and progress to the Copa del Rey last eight. Here's how they could line up.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Neto (GK) - With some expected reshuffling to take place, Neto could earn a very rare start, having played in the last round of the cup.
Dani Alves (RB) - The veteran could be favoured to feature on the right of defenc having played in that Clasico defeat in Saudi Arabia.
Oscar Mingueza (CB) - The young defender could be drafted into the lineup for a first start in three outings.
Clement Lenglet (CB) - The Frenchman was left on the bench as Barça lost 3-2 to Real after extra-time, so should be fresh to be brought into the side as Xavi is expected to rotate.
Jordi Alba (LB) - Doesn't ever seem to lose his ratty tenacity, so there probably isn't any need to switch up the left-back spot.
2. Midfielders
Sergio Busquets (DM) - Quite remarkably, the skipper has only missed out on one outing so far this term in all competitions - and that was through suspension.
Frenkie De Jong (CM) - A consistent - if often disappointingly uninspiring - at the heart of the side, and should be set for another start here.
Nico Gonzalez (CM) - Pedri's return to action will likely be closely managed so Nico could be brought into the fold to replace Gavi, who started last time out.
3. Forwards
Ferran Torres (RW) - Ousmane Dembele has been mostly electric of late, although could be afforded a rest as Torres makes his second start in a Barcelona shirt.
Luuk De Jong (ST) - Memphis Depay might hope to regain his spot for this one but, for cup duties, the in-form De Jong could be favoured having scored in each of his last three appearances for La Blaugrana.
Ansu Fati (LW) - Marked his return from injury with a goal after coming on off the bench against Real Madrid last time out and, to the delight of Barça fans, should be fit enough to start from the outset on Thursday.