Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has picked a full strength squad for a tricky away fixture against Athletic Bilbao.
In the absence of Neymar, Arda Turan is set to lead the line with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Luis’ namesake Denis Suarez will line up at the heart of midfield in place of the injured Andres Iniesta. He will be joined by Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic.
Defensively, Samuel Umtiti will partner Gerard Pique due to Mascherano’s unavailability. Jordi Alba starts as a left-back while Sergi Roberto is expected to take up his position on the right hand side.
In goal, Marc Andre ter-Stegen will make only his eighth start for the club as first-choice keeper Claudio Bravo has departed to Manchester City.
?? FCB XI:
1. Ter Stegen
3. Piqué
4. Rakitic
5. Sergio
6. Denis
7. Arda
9. Suárez
10. Messi
18. Alba
20. S. Roberto
23. Umtiti #FCBlive— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 28, 2016
For the hosts, Artur Adurizz will start as a lone striker with a midfield three of Williams, Iturraspe and Benat behind him. Winger Markel Susaeta will be making his 400th appearance for Athletic.
Balenziaga and Laporte continue as a centre-back pairing with Boveda and de Marcos to either sides. Gorka Iraizoz will start in goal and looks set to be on his toes given the star power in the opposition.
? Hoy jugamos con:
Iraizoz
De Marcos
Balenziaga
Bóveda
Laporte
Iturraspe
Beñat
Eraso
Williams
Aduriz
Susaeta#AthleticBarça #athlive— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) August 28, 2016
