Barcelona Host Athletic Club in La Liga Clash Amid Pursuit of Julian Alvarez

Barcelona aim to continue their strong start in La Liga as they welcome Athletic Club to Camp Nou on Wednesday. German Hansi Flick's side opened their campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory against Elche, while their visitors from Bilbao suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Sevilla.

As the match approaches, attention remains focused on Barcelona's pursuit of Julian Alvarez. Coach German Hansi Flick indicated that the club might conclude the summer transfer window without a new striker if they cannot secure the Atletico Madrid forward. Joan Laporta confirmed that Barcelona maintain their hope and proposal to sign the 26-year-old, though Atletico have thus far resisted selling him.

In previous encounters, Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Athletic Club in Bilbao thanks to a goal from Lamine Yamal, following a dominant 4-0 win in the corresponding fixture last season. The Opta supercomputer currently gives Barcelona a 66 percent chance of winning this upcoming fixture, compared to Athletic Club's 15 percent.

Team News

Barcelona will be without Frenkie de Jong, Roony Bardghji, and likely Rodri due to injuries, while Gavi remains a doubt. Athletic Club travel without the suspended Yuri Berchiche alongside injured players Daniel Vivian, Unai Eguiluz, and Nico Serrano.

Predicted Lineups

Barcelona: Garcia, Espart, Cubarsi, Garcia, Martin, Bernal, Pedri, Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha, Adeyemi

Athletic Club: Simon, Boiro, Paredes, Alvarez, Areso, Canales, Gerenabarrena, Berenguer, Sancet, N. Williams, Guruzeta