Official: Barcelona starting lineup against Athletic Club

Barcelona will look to retain their ten-point lead on top of La Liga when they travel to San Mames to face Athletic Club. A familiar face will be on the bench for the Basque outfit as Ernesto Valverde faces his former club for the second time.

With Robert Lewandowski back, Xavi has chosen to immediately place him back in the starting lineup to spearhead the attack. The Pole striker has 15 goals to his name in the league, but missed the last outing due to injury.

Raphinha scored the winner for Barcelona vs Valencia, and has retained his place in the XI, flanking Lewandowski from the right side. Ferran Torres has been given the nod on the left-wing, meanwhile.

Frenkie de Jong has been in top form over the last few months, and starts in midfield alongside Gavi. Sergio Busquets rounds off the trident with Franck Kessie on the bench.

With Ronald Araujo suspended, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde will headline the central defence. Sergi Roberto gets a chance at right-back, while Alejandro Balde continues in his left-back role. This back-four will screen Marc-Andre ter Stegen‘s goal.

🚨 BARÇA XI 🚨#AthleticBarça pic.twitter.com/fUYyTNeIyX

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 12, 2023

Barcelona confirmed XI: ter Stegen; Roberto, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Gavi, Busquets, de Jong; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Ferran