Alves returns, Dest replaces Alba in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could line up against Athletic Club

In what was supposed to be a daunting week for Barcelona with trips to Valencia and Napoli, the Catalans scored eight goals combined past the two opponents, while conceding just three.

The 2-4 win at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, in particular, was exceptional. Barça could have scored a handful more goals, and the two they conceded were from unforced individual errors.

They now have the chance to continue their superb run (15 goals in the last five games) as they host Athletic Club at the Camp Nou. The Basque outfit knocked the Blaugranes out of the Copa del Rey in January, and this would be the perfect shot at redemption.

To get all three points, though, Xavi must be incredibly careful with his starting lineup. Barcelona are set to play six games in the next three weeks, including both legs of the Europa League round of 16 and a trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.

With rotations inevitable, we take the onus of predicting Barça’s starting lineup for Athletic Club on Sunday.

The starters

Marc-Andre ter Stegen looked incredibly suspect against Napoli and Valencia but is currently unrivalled for his spot in goal. Barça fans will be hoping that he can redeem himself with a strong performance on the weekend.

Gerard Pique produced a masterclass in defence against Victor Osimhen over both legs and is expected to start in the heart of the backline after missing the previous La Liga clash due to suspension. He will likely be partnered by none other than the brilliant Ronald Araujo.

Jordi Alba picked up his fifth yellow card against Valencia, ruling him out for the Athletic game. With Alejandro Balde injured, he will, in all likelihood, be replaced by Sergino Dest. The American was superb in his last two games and will build on that in a slightly different role.

Dani Alves will probably take up the spot at right-back after missing two games due to suspension. The Brazilian was superb in his outing vs Atletico Madrid with a goal and assist and will likely get the nod over Oscar Mingueza.

In midfield, we expect Frenkie de Jong to see some rest after a scintillating showing in the Europa League. Nico Gonzalez could be his replacement in a box-to-box role, with Pedri likely taking the other central midfield role.

Little to no doubt over the defensive midfielder as captain Sergio Busquets retains his place.

Xavi has ample rotation pieces in the attack and will likely make a change on both wings. Adama Traore could be replaced by Ousmane Dembele while Gavi is expected to start on the left-wing in place of Ferran Torres.

With four goals in the last two games, it would be unfair to bench Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who gears up to add his tally against Marcelino’s men.

Predicted Barça XI: ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Araujo, Dest; Pedri, Busquets, Nico; Dembele, Aubameyang, Gavi

The substitutes

Unless Barcelona are able to harness a strong lead over Athletic Club, we will see the usual suspects off the bench. For starters, Frenkie de Jong will likely make an appearance post the 60th-minute mark – i.e. if he does not start.

Adama Traore and Ferran Torres could be options to add some offensive depth or just to rotate in the last quarter of the game.

Thereon, it will not be surprising to see Oscar Mingueza come in for one of the fullbacks, while Memphis Depay could undoubtedly get some minutes as well if he is deemed fit.