It'll be another month-plus until Barcelona can play all of their famous three forwards together, but they're not even opting to play two of their heralded trio. After a bit of an exhausting international break, Barcelona are choosing to rest Neymar, likely with an eye on Champions League. Pedro and Munir will start on either side of Lionel Messi in place of the Brazilian star.
Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao lineups: Pedro and Munir preferred to Neymar
Ivan Rakitic and Munir are in the Barcelona lineup to face Athletic Bilbao, ahead of Xavi and Neymar, who are rested.
Manuel Queimadelos Alonso
Ivan Rakitic continues to start ahead of Xavi as well, and Claudio Bravo is in goal instead of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu get the nod in defense, with Thomas Vermaelen sitting on the bench.
Athletic Bilbao have no surprises in their team and will play their normal starting XI in a 4-2-3-1, with Beñat behind Aritz Aduriz, flanked by Iker Muniain and Markel Susaeta. The central defense pairing of youngster Aymeric Laporte and 34-year-old captain Carlos Gurpegui will be key for Athletic.
Barcelona starting XI (4-3-3): Claudio Bravo; Jordi Alba, Javier Mascherano, Jeremy Mathieu, Martin Montoya; Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Andres Iniesta; Munir, Lionel Messi, Pedro
Athletic Bilbao starting XI (4-2-3-1): Gorka Iraizoz; Mikel Balenziaga, Aymeric Laporte, Carlos Gurpegui, Oscar De Marcos; Mikel Rico, Ander Itsurrape; Iker Muniain, Beñat, Markel Susaeta; Aritz Aduriz
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