A place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey is up for grabs on Wednesday night when Barcelona travel to San Mames to take on Athletic Bilbao.
The Catalan giants have overcome two lower-league outfits in Barbastro and Unionistas to make it to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, beating the former 3-2 before battling to a 3-1 away win over the latter team earlier this month. They followed up the win over Unionistas with a fantastic 4-2 win over Real Betis on Sunday in La Liga, with Ferran Torres grabbing the headlines with a fine hat-trick.
With two wins on the bounce, Xavi Hernandez’s men will be confident of heading to the Basque Country and beating Athletic Bilbao, who beat Alaves 2-0 in the last round.
Barcelona Team News
Joao Cancelo could be back fit to face Athletico Bilbao in midweek, as per Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez. Barcelona have missed the services of the Portuguese full-back since he suffered a knee injury in the first match of 2024 away to Las Palmas, but there is a big chance of the player returning to the squad this week.
Andreas Christensen missed the 4-2 win over Real Betis due to an ankle problem, but subsequent assessments have ruled out a significant injury and he could be back in action against Bilbao in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Gavi, Raphinha, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inigo Martinez and Marcos Alonso all remain on the treatment table.
Predicted Barcelona lineup vs Athletic Bilbao (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
With Marc-Andre ter Stegen still on the sidelines, Inaki Pena will continue to be in goal for Barcelona. Pena will be aiming to shut the shop as quickly as possible at the San Mames.
Defence
Andreas Christensen is expected to shake off his minor ankle problem and be available for selection in midweek. If that is the case, the Dane will replace 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi, who started in Barcelona’s 4-2 win over Real Betis on Sunday. Ronald Araujo will stay in his position and partner Christensen in central defence.
Joao Cancelo’s availability will be a big boost for Barcelona. The Portugal international’s quality is undeniable, and he will look to mark his return from injury with a bang. He could be handed a start at right-back, with Alejandro Balde operating from the left-back opposition.
Midfield
Ilkay Gundogan will sit deep, protect the back four and set the tempo of play for the Blaugrana. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will join the Germany international in the engine room.
The troika will be tasked with recycling possession, breaking up the opposition’s play and creating chances for the attackers.
Attack
Ferran Torres’ confidence will be sky-high after his hat-trick against Real Betis, and the Spaniard will look to build on it at San Mames. He is a sure-fire starter on the left flank, while Joao Felix could replace Lamine Yamal on the right wing.
Robert Lewandowski should start up top again, with January acquisition Vitor Roque set to be involved at some point in the game.
