Barcelona’s record of two straight wins without conceding will be put to a serious test when exciting Athletic Bilbao side arrive at Camp Nou, looking to prove they can match just about any team in Spain. The Catalans remain the favourites to claim maximum points, with a highly entertaining clash expected in Catalunya.

Luis Enrique spoilt for choices

For the first time after quite a while, Barcelona squad have undergone major changes during close season, so this definitely feels like a start of a new era. Luis Enrique has been given the task of rebuilding the squad and with so many quality players coming through the ranks, the former Barcelona B coach seems like a perfect choice. With Neymar and Luis Suarez missing the start of the season through injury and suspension, Munir El Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez have already left their mark, while Lionel Messi had a key role to play in both La Liga wins. The back line has kept clean sheets against Elche and Villarreal, but it is important to note the Catalans rode their luck several times at El Madrigal as the hosts were very close to scoring, so we definitely expect attack-minded Athletic to create them problems at Camp Nou. Barcelona have often struggled to cope with los Leones’ high-pressing approach, although they usually defeat Athletic at home, albeit rarely without conceding. Even if the Catalans won their last four home fixtures against the Basque side, they only managed to keep a clean sheet in one of those games.

Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Thomas Vermaelen are back in contention, but Jeremy Mathieu is doubtful through injury.

Back in the Champions League

While the club stated to make waves under Marcelo Bielsa, it was Ernesto Valverde who led los Leones to unimagined heights, helping the side secure a place in the Champions League group stages. Athletic chiefs were unable to keep hold of playmaker Ander Herrera, but with Benat Etxebarria already in their ranks, the Manchester United midfielder is definitely not sorely missed. Los Leones proved their worth by eliminating very good Napoli side to reach the Champions League group stages, while their league campaign also got off to a decent start. Athletic were incredibly unfortunate to suffer a narrow defeat to Malaga as they had several refereeing decisions go the other way, but the 3-0 triumph over Levante showed the match at La Rosaleda was quickly forgotten. Before the team face Shakhtar Donetsk in the opening Champions League fixture, they will have to negotiate the clash with Barcelona, and if any side can cause the Catalans problems at Camp Nou, it is definitely Athletic. The likes of Aduriz, Muniain and Ibai/Susaeta are widely tipped to make life difficult for the Barcelona defenders.

Ibai Gomez and Andoni Iraola have resumed full training, while all five players returned from international duty unscathed.

Verdict

While Barcelona attack seems in perfect working order regardless of the players who start up front, the back four have not been an impressive and they will certainly have their work cut out for them against Athletic and their in-your-face approach. The hosts should ultimately emerge victorious, but I just cannot see them keeping a clean sheet in the process.

Top pick: Both teams to score   1.80 (4/5) @ Betfair

Alternative pick 1: Home win + both teams to score   2.70 (17/10) @ Coral

Alternative pick 2: Over 3.5 goals   2.20 (6/5) @ BetVictor