The clash against Athletic Bilbao will mark the tenth fixture of the league for FC Barcelona. With Matchday 10 now closer than ever, the Catalan giants will need to remain mindful of a few different things. While victory is essential in its own right, certain things must first be kept at a glance.
Ernesto Valverde and his Basque side will visit the Montjuic Stadium to duel with Xavi’s Barcelona. At this moment in time, Bilbao are currently sixth in the league table. They have accumulated 17 points from nine games, winning five times while losing and drawing two times each.
Barcelona, on the other hand, currently sit in fourth place. Behind Real Madrid, Girona, and Atletico Madrid, Barça will want to pick up all three points against Bilbao to stay in contention for the league title itself. With that in mind, Xavi has revealed the starting XI to take on Barça’s Basque rivals.
Goalkeeper
In goal, as always, is Marc Andre Ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper will start off the game as Barcelona captain, carrying the responsibility of leading his team to victory from between the goalposts. His leadership and shot-stopping skills will both be tested against Bilbao.
Defense
Ahead of him, in defense, Barcelona see Inigo Martinez and Andreas Christensen start as the two center-backs. On either side of them, Alejandro Balde and Joao Cancelo take up the left-back and right-back positions respectively.
Midfield
In the midfield, Oriol Romeu starts as the team’s primary pivot. He is joined by Ilkay Gundogan and Golden Boy winner Gavi. The calculated aspects of this rather experienced midfield could prove to be lethal against the rigidity of Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao.
Attack
In attack, Joao Felix starts as the primary center forward in the team. His impressive displays with Portugal will be crucial in helping him want to continue this fine run of form.
Alongside him, Ferran Torres starts off as the right-winger this time around while Fermin Lopez makes a surprise entrance as the left-winger within the attack due to Lamine Yamal still not being fully fit to start.
