FC Barcelona are set to take on Athletic Club in La Liga on Saturday as they look to continue their momentum from before the international break and secure three points against their Basque opponents.
There is a lot more riding on this game, with the Catalan club returning to the renovated Camp Nou, putting their Montjuïc days behind them. It has been two and a half years since the team last played competitive football there.
Many players in the current Barcelona squad have not played at the Camp Nou before, but the team needs to be careful not to let the moment get the better of them. They must stay focused to keep the pressure on Real Madrid.
With all this in mind, here are three talking points for Barcelona ahead of their La Liga encounter against Athletic Bilbao.
Three points and an emotional Barcelona homecoming
Barcelona kick off early in La Liga this weekend, which allows them to pull level with Real Madrid and put pressure on Xabi Alonso’s side before they face Elche. This makes it a very big game for the Catalan club.
However, that is not the biggest talking point ahead of the match. Barcelona return to the Spotify Camp Nou after 910 days, albeit with limited capacity, and there is a general sense of excitement around the city.
Fans will flock in numbers to be part of this major reopening. Ticket prices have been exorbitant in the lead-up to the game, but that will not stop around 45,000 people from making it to the stadium to watch the team in action.
Tomorrow is the first small step in a long process before the Camp Nou returns to full capacity. Let us see whether the team can mark the momentous occasion with three points against Ernesto Valverde’s Basque side.
Who plays in midfield?
Hansi Flick has a major selection headache for the Athletic Club game. Pedri is still injured and continues his recovery, while Frenkie de Jong will be suspended after being sent off in the final minutes against Celta Vigo.
Meanwhile, Marc Casado also missed the Vigo game through injury but might be ready to return against Athletic Bilbao. If the Spaniard is fit, he is likely to start at the base of the midfield.
The identity of his partner is less clear. Marc Bernal is an option, but the teenager has not started for Barcelona this season. Another possibility is the versatile Eric Garcia, although he may be needed in defence.
The most likely candidate is Dani Olmo, who delivered a very promising display against Celta Vigo in a deeper role. Hansi Flick will want the Spaniard to build on that confidence, and he should get the nod against Athletic Club.
The tale of two comebacks
Against Athletic Club, Barcelona will finally recover a couple of their stars after long lay-offs. Neither Raphinha nor Joan Garcia has played a single minute since the 3–1 win over Real Oviedo a couple of months ago.
Coincidentally, both are set to return to action against the Basque club. Hansi Flick has confirmed that Joan will start, while Raphinha is expected to get a few minutes from the bench.
Barcelona have suffered in the absence of these two. Raphinha’s intense pressing from the front was a major miss for Flick’s side, while Joan’s sweeping behind the high line, or the lack of it, saw them concede too many goals.
It remains to be seen how the duo looks on their comeback from injury. With a visit to Stamford Bridge just days later, Barcelona will want them to return to their best as soon as possible. Let us wait and see how things play out.
