Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona – Confirmed Lineups: Messi and Suarez lead the line for the Catalan Giants

SOLNA, SWEDEN - AUGUST 03: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona enters the pitch during the Pre-Season Friendly between Leicester City FC and FC Barcelona at Friends arena on August 3, 2016 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images)

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.

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.

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