Barcelona predicted lineup Vs Athletic Bilbao: With the absence of Lionel Messi, how will Barcelona lineup in the first La Liga clash tonight.
Barcelona will face Athletic Bilbao in the first La Liga clash, as the premier Spanish football competition will kick-off tonight. However, Lionel Messi is expected to not start tonight due to fitness issues.
Thus, Ernesto Valverde will have to stick with his plans from the pre-season tour, as the Argentine international did not travel with the team for it too.
With this, a spot for a forward is now vacant, but its unknown who will fill in for Messi. It is certain that the new signing Antoine Griezmann will be deputed on the right-wing. Moreover, the defence is unlikely to be touched.
Although, there is a lack of guarantee of starters in midfield but probably the new Barcelona signing Frankie De Jong and club vice-captain will start. Thus, there is a stiff competition between Ivan Rakitic, Arthur and Sergi Roberto for the third spot.
It seems Rakitic will get the start, as Arthur has only 10 days of training with Barcelona before the start of the season, and Roberto might start from the right-back spot or will be on the bench.’
Moreover, Barcelona’s most expensive player, Philippe Coutinho would probably sit on the bench, as he came back to the club after playing Copa America and did not join the team for pre-season. Secondly, with the inclusion of Antoine Griezmann, he will not start in attack from now.
The defence is likely to continue with the pair of Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet alongside Jordi Alba on left and Nelson Semedo on right. Although, Roberto is in a contest with Semedo for the right-back spot.
Barcelona predicted lineup Vs Athletic Bilbao:
Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, De Jong; Griezmann, Dembele, Suarez.
