Barcelona Prepares for Athletic Bilbao Clash at Nou Camp
Barcelona is set to welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Nou Camp this Thursday night, aiming for a strong home performance in La Liga. Following a convincing 5-0 victory against Elche last weekend, the Catalan club heads into this match in high spirits.
Coach Hansi Flick plans to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with some adjustments expected in his starting lineup. Players Anthony Gordon and Alejandro Balde may enter the match from the outset.
4-2-3-1 Barcelona Predicted Lineup To Face Athletic Bilbao
Defence
In goal, Joan Garcia is set to start after successfully keeping a clean sheet in his latest outing. Flick will position Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin at the center of defense, aiming to thwart Athletic Bilbao’s attacks throughout the match.
Jules Kounde will take on the right-back role, while Alejandro Balde hopes to make an impact on the left flank, with both full-backs encouraged to push forward into the opponent’s half. Pau Cubarsi is likely to provide backup for the central defenders from the bench.
Midfield
In midfield, Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal will be tasked with controlling the game and creating opportunities for their teammates. Positioned just ahead of them, the attacking trio of Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, and Lamine Yamal will be critical to Barcelona’s offensive strategy, needing strong performances to secure a convincing win at home. Pedri and Dani Olmo are ready to come off the bench and could make a difference in the second half if called upon.
Attack
Leading the frontline, Anthony Gordon will be pivotal in providing a genuine threat in the attacking third. Meanwhile, Karim Adeyemi may find his place on the bench, with the potential to come on and change the game if Barcelona requires a late goal.
Barcelona will entertain Athletic Bilbao at the Nou Camp this Thursday night as they look to earn a good result at home in La Liga. The Catalan club managed to secure a dominant 5-0 win over Elche last weekend, which should keep them in good spirits going into this game.
Hansi Flick will set his players up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make some tweaks to his first XI for this contest. Anthony Gordon and Alejandro Balde could both play from the start of this game.
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4-2-3-1 Barcelona Predicted Lineup To Face Athletic Bilbao
Defence
Joan Garcia will feature in between the sticks for the Catalan club after keeping a clean sheet in his last appearance. Eric Garcia will operate alongside Gerard Martin at the centre of Flick’s defence as they look to keep the opposition at bay during the 90 minutes.
Jules Kounde will fill in as the right-back, while Alejandro Balde hopes to prove his worth on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will get the license to go forward and express themselves inside the opponent’s half.
Pau Cubarsi will offer cover for the centre-back positions on the bench.
ELCHE, SPAIN – AUGUST 23: Lamine Yamal of Barcelona warms up before the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Elche CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on August 23, 2026 in Elche, Spain. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
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Midfield
Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal will anchor the midfield for Barca as they focus on making life tough for the visitors in the middle of the park and orchestrating some decent chances in and around the opponent’s penalty area.
The talented trio of Raphinha, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal will function just ahead of them as part of Flick’s attack. All three of them need to be at their best if the Catalan club are to secure a convincing win at the Nou Camp this Thursday night.
Pedri and Dani Olmo will be available for selection on the bench as they await their chance to shine in the second 45 minutes if needed.
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Attack
Anthony Gordon will spearhead Barca’s attack up top. He has to find a way to be a real threat in the final third.
Karim Adeyemi will have to settle for a place on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the latter stages if Barcelona are in need of a goal by then.
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