Barcelona will play their first home LaLiga fixture of the season at the Camp Nou on Thursday, hosting Athletic Club in a midweek encounter.
The hosts arrive in excellent form after an emphatic 5-0 victory over Elche that launched their campaign. Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona have displayed sharp tactics and a potent attacking threat. They have claimed three wins in their past five league outings, with their forward play clicking — averaging just over two goals per game during that period.
Barcelona team news
FC Barcelona look set to hand a long-awaited club debut to high-profile summer signing Rodri, who has completed successive training sessions following a minor back operation and is expected to be named among the substitutes.
Flick appears ready to tweak his back line at the Spotify Camp Nou, with Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé and João Cancelo likely to return to the starting XI after being rested last time out.
The Catalans do, however, face a midfield concern as Gavi is doubtful after suffering a heavy knee contusion against Elche; scans excluded a serious ligament injury, but he missed the squad’s final training session.
Gavi joins established absentees Frenkie de Jong, who is recovering from a knee problem, and Roony Bardghji. Joan García is forecast to start in goal, shielded by Andreas Christensen alongside Cubarsí.
Barcelona predicted lineup
Possible Barcelona starting XI: J. García; Koundé, Christensen, Cubarsí, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri, Fermín López; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon.
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Thursday, 27th August.
How to watch Barcelona vs Athletic Club?
You can watch Barcelona vs Athletic Club live in the UK on Premier Sports 2.
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