Barcelona name XI for delayed Athletic Bilbao opener

Barcelona will look to extend the momentum from their opening league match when they receive Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on Thursday. The fixture is a postponed game from the first round of La Liga, giving both sides the chance to add to their early-season record.

Hansi Flick’s team started the campaign with a convincing 5-0 win at Elche on Sunday. Athletic Bilbao have had the opposite beginning, losing 3-1 at home to Sevilla on Saturday. The Basque club also finished pre-season with three defeats, against Marseille, Atalanta and Zaragoza, so the visit to Barcelona comes with pressure to halt that run.

Barcelona’s starting line-up is Joan Garcia in goal, with Eric Garcia, Christensen, Martin and Espart in defence. Bernal and Pedri are named in midfield, while Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Adeyemi and Raphinha form the attacking group.

Athletic line up with Simon behind Areso, Laporte, Paredes and Boiro. Gerenabarrena and Canales are selected in midfield, with Williams, Sancet and Berenguer supporting Guruzeta. The match begins at 9pm in France and will be available on DAZN and Disney+ France.