Three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao

La Liga’s late Sunday night fixture of Matchday 11 sees Barcelona pitted against Athletic Club Bilbao in a mouth-watering clash. The two teams have a rich head-to-head record in recent years and the weekend’s clash will be no less in terms of the quality of the game.

The Blaugranas defeated the Basque team by four goals in February. Just a month prior, however, Athletic Club knocked Barcelona out of the Copa del Rey in emphatic fashion.

The game will also see the return of a familiar face to the Spotify Camp Nou on the sidelines – Ernesto Valverde.

The former Barcelona manager took a long hiatus from his professional career after being sacked by the Catalans. He recently joined Athletic Club to mark his return as a professional manager and will look to make a statement against his former club.

Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao.

1. A classic in every sense

Barcelona face some difficult opponents during their run in various competitions year after year. However, their games against Athletic Club are the ones that stand as the most memorable ones.

The Basque side have steadily improved with every passing year and pose a strong threat to the Blaugranas‘ chances at various titles. However, their high level is not a consequence of their knowledge but the clash of football styles.

Barcelona under Xavi Hernandez, have been a team to hold onto possession at all costs. Failure to dominate the proceedings, create better chances and keep the ball is seen as a poor outing by the manager, and it is that very stubbornness that could create a problem on Sunday.

Athletic Club are a team that thrive on the counter. Their quick transitions, fast passing sequences and lethal finishing make them a difficult customer to deal with, especially for a team that struggles to defend counters.

It is clear that the Basque side play a style of football optimised to exploit Barcelona’s weaknesses. Needless to say, Jules Kounde will have a key role to play on Sunday night and must lead from the front if he is to oversee a clean sheet on the night.

2. Xavi’s front-three dilemma

Earlier in the season, Xavi’s gala starting XI seemed to be set in stone. The forward line in big games saw Robert Lewandowski start regularly with two pacey and skilful wingers in Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha, on the two wings.

However, the coach opted to try a new combination against Villarreal, and the experiment was a grand success. The Pole retained his spot in the XI, but it was Ansu Fati who started as the left-winger. The right-wing position saw Ferran Torres start and produce a dominant performance.

With both Spanish forwards grabbing their chances with both hands, Xavi has a difficult decision to make. The more tempting option would undoubtedly be to give the youngsters a chance to follow up their positive display with another opportunity.

Yet, one can also make a case that Dembele and Raphinha deserve to start purely on accumulated merit.

3. All hail the new midfield trio

For years now, Sergio Busquets has led Barcelona’s midfield through thick and thin. The Spanish international is amongst the best defensive midfielders in the world and still has the qualities of a top-notch player.

However, his ageing legs have created problems for Xavi’s side multiple times this season. Recognising the same, the coach benched Busquets against Villarreal and deployed Frenkie de Jong alongside Pedri and Gavi midweek, and the results were positively shocking.

The Dutch midfielder produced his best performance of the season against the Yellow Submarines, being clinical and resilient in defence while not overly suppressed in the attack. Heading into Sunday’s game, there is good enough reason for Xavi to continue with the same midfield setup.

Frenkie de Jong will have his task cut out for him against Ernesto Valverde’s hardworking midfield.

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