Having virtually secured La Liga survival with one point from Riazor, Athletic can be trusted to produce a decent showing against Barcelona at San Mames.

The Catalans are still reeling from the 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, so a morale-boosting victory on their last ever visit to San Mames would be more than welcome.

Athletic Bilbao have found it very difficult to cope with the pressure of expectations this season and the team just could not rediscover the form that had served them so well last term.

Los Leones couldn’t even get past the group stage in Europa League, while their La Liga campaign proved equally difficult.

Up until recently the team were in real danger of slipping into the relegation zone, but they seem to have finally secured survival as they boast an eight-point advantage over the bottom three with six games to go.

The one point brought from Riazor could prove decisive, not only because it ended a two-match losing run, but also given that it prevented Deportivo from further closing the gap behind them.

Athletic now hope to take advantage of Barcelona’s problems and return to winning ways, and they are 5.50 (9/2) at Stan James to see off their more illustrious opponents.

Ander Iturraspe serves a one-match ban, but Fernando Amorebieta and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta return into contention. Aymeric Laporte has been ruled out for the season through a knee injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Iraizoz – Iraola, San Jose, Ekiza, Aurtenetxe – Herrera, Gurpegui, De Marcos – Susaeta, Llorente, Muniain.

Barcelona, too, have been far from impressive this season, with the latest defeat at Alianz Arena enough to suggest they are no longer Europe’s best side.

The team remains a dominant force in Spain, although their recent showings against Real Madrid have left a lot to be desired, but at least the league title is in the bag.

The 13-point advantage should prove more than enough to clinch the La Liga trophy, but the Catalans are eager to finish this season on a high and prove that 4-0 loss in Munich was just a one-off result.

Before the return leg against the Bavarians, Barca travel to San Mames hoping to improve the atmosphere in the team with a comfortable victory.

Even if Tito Vilanova is expected to rest some of his starters for the midweek clash with Bayern, the Catalans are 1.67 (2/3) favourites with bet365 to triumph in Basque country.

Javier Masquerano and Carles Puyol continue to miss out, while Lionel Messi is unlikely to be risked. Few more regular starters are likely to miss out.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Valdes – Alves, Adriano, Abidal, Montoya – Thiago, Song, Iniesta – Tello, Fabregas, Villa.

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