Xavi Hernández said that he would make changes for Barcelona’s clash with Athletic Club on Sunday “because there is fatigue” in the squad.
At the same time, the Catalan coach warned that his idea was to “give continuity to some players who deserve it”.
Robert Lewandowski is expected to lead the line once again and Ousmane Dembélé could return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench in the win over Villarreal on Thursday.
In defence, Héctor Bellerín is likely to get the chance to start at right-back in place of Sergi Roberto. Eric García and Jules Koundé could be the centre-back pairing, with Alejandro Balde at left-back.
Bayern Munich in the Champions League and the visit to Valencia in La Liga will also be key factors when it comes to selecting a starting XI today.
Possible Barcelona XI against Athletic
Barcelona could line up with the following starting XI, according to Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo: Ter Stegen – Bellerín, Koundé, Eric García, Balde – Busquets, Pedri, Gavi – Dembélé, Lewandowski, Ansu Fati.
Barcelona vs Athletic Club gets underway at Camp Nou at 9pm local time.
GSFN
