Barcelona vs Athletic Third meeting between the clubs in January
Athletic Club has gotten used to playing Barcelona in January 2021 and during this third meeting between the two sides, both sides will be looking for a second victory after either side LaLiga Santander and the Spain Supercup.
Barcelona want to move forward Real Madrid to second place with a win, with Samuel Umtiti in the starting line-up for only his third start of the season.
Sergi Roberto also returns to the bench after an injury layoff while Miralem Pjanic starts in midfield with Sergio Busquets suspended.
Marcelino welcomes back Yuri Berchiche after illness raids for the wounded Mikel Balenziaga, and has given the nod to young midfielder Unai Victor to maintain his place in midfield.
Barcelona’s XI: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen; Oscar Mingueza, Ronald Araujo, Samuel Umtiti, Jordi Alba; Miralem Pjanic, Frenkie De Jong; Pedri, Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele; Antoine Griezmann.
XI of Athletic Club: Unai Simon; Ander Capa, Yeray, Inigo Martinez, Yuri Berchiche; Oscar de Marcos, Dani Garcia, Unai Vencedor, Iker Muniain; Raul Garcia, Inaki Williams.