| Athletic Club vs Barcelona | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Athletic Club vs Barcelona
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COMPETITION :
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Copa del Rey
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| DATE: |
25-01-2024
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TIME:
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02.00 AM IST (UTC +5:30)
12.30 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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Kalinga Stadium
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Predicted Lineups
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Herrera, Prados; Muniain, Sancet, N. Williams; Villalibre
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Pedri, Gundogan, De Jong; Torres, Lewandowski, Felix
Athletic's setback against Valencia, a few egos within the team may be bruised, but Valverde's current squad reports no significant physical issues post-match. However, as they approach the quarter-final, three players find themselves on the injury list.
Mikel Vesga, nursing a hamstring injury, and Oscar de Marcos, dealing with a quadriceps issue, are confirmed absentees. Dani Garcia faces a similar problem to De Marcos and is uncertain for the upcoming clash. Inigo Ruiz de Galaretta engaged in individual training after being deemed fit for a substitute role against Valencia.
Should Ruiz de Galaretta be deemed unfit to start, Ander Herrera and Benat Prados are expected to form the double pivot. With Inaki Williams participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, tournament joint-top scorer Asier Villalibre, alongside Celta Vigo's Anastasios Douvikas, is set to lead the attack.
Manager Valverde also disclosed that Alex Berenguer and Inigo Lekue are nursing unspecified knocks but are slated to travel with the team.
Turning attention to Barcelona, juvenile defender Cubarsi, who celebrated his 17th birthday recently, appeared fatigued in the Betis match but seemed to be suffering only from cramp. Cubarsi might get an opportunity if Andreas Christensen's ankle discomfort clears up in time. Christensen and Joao Cancelo have been included in the matchday squad.
However, key players like Gavi, Raphinha, Marcos Alonso, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Inigo Martinez are still in the recovery phase. Despite Yamal's impressive performance against Betis, Xavi might consider reintroducing Felix into the starting XI to avoid overwhelming the teenager.