Barcelona: Valverde is without a host of players for the home fixture. Nelson Semedo (hamstring), Sergio Busquets (toe), Sergi Samper (ankle) and Denis Suarez (abductor) are all sidelined while Luis Suarez will miss out through suspension after acumulating five yellow cards throughout the season.
Athletic Bilbao: The visitors also have some injury concerns. Ilker Muniain (cruciate ligament), Mikel Rico and Yeray Alvares (both hamstring) will all sit out but defender Mikel Balenziaga could have recovered from a muscle injury in time to line up for 'Los Leones'.
Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde:
"Athletic are always dangerous. They also grow under adversity, because they have great spirit".
Athletic Bilbao manager Jose Angel Ziganda:
When asked about the game, he said: “I am strong, yes, with enthusiasm and with the hope of recovering, of giving continuity to the project… I will prepare each match as if it were the first. I only focus on the game against Barcelona.”
Form:
Did you know?
Barca lead the head-to-head by a significant amount (P62, W41, D12, L9) and will be hoping for another positive result on Sunday.
Last time round
Barcelona comfortably came out on top in the first fixture in October. Talisman Lionel Messi scored in the 36th minute before Paulinho struck late on to seal all three points.
Score prediction: 2-1
Barcelona possible starting XI: Ter Stegen; Alba, Umtiti, Pique, Roberto; Rakitic, Vidal, Dembele, Coutinho; Messi, Alcacer.
Athletic Bilbao possible starting XI: Herrerin; Lekue, Nunez, Etxelta, de Marcos; Iturraspe, Etxebarrle, Cordoba, Williams, Nolaskoain; Sola.