Raphinha leads Barcelona attack as Anthony Gordon makes first start against Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona face Athletic Bilbao in their rearranged La Liga fixture with Raphinha leading the attack and Anthony Gordon named in the starting XI for the first time.

Gordon made his Barcelona debut from the bench in the side’s previous match, a 5-0 victory over Elche in the second round of La Liga. He has now been selected from the outset as manager Hansi Flick makes his choices for the postponed opening-round fixture.

The match is scheduled to begin at 22:00 at Camp Nou, where Barcelona will look to build on their emphatic win over Elche. Raphinha takes the central attacking role, with Lamine Yamal and Gordon completing the front three.

Egypt international Hamza Abdelkarim is among the substitutes for the second consecutive Barcelona match. He was also named on the bench for the victory against Elche and will again wait for his opportunity to feature during the game.

Flick’s team includes Joan Garcia in goal, with Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Xavi Espart forming the defensive line.

Marc Bernal, Pedri and Fermin Lopez are selected in midfield, while Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Anthony Gordon make up the attack.

Barcelona’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Defenders: Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Xavi Espart

Midfielders: Marc Bernal, Pedri, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon

The fixture was originally due to be played in the first round of the Spanish league but is being held at a later date. Barcelona arrive after a commanding result in their previous league outing, when they scored five times against Elche without conceding.

That performance provides the immediate backdrop to Flick’s selection for the meeting with Athletic Bilbao. Raphinha retains his place as the principal attacking threat, while Gordon’s promotion from substitute to starter is the clearest change highlighted in the line-up.

The inclusion of Gordon from the beginning also gives Barcelona a different option in attack after his appearance as a replacement in the previous match. Alongside Raphinha and Yamal, he will form part of the forward line chosen by Flick for the Camp Nou fixture.

Abdelkarim’s continued presence among the substitutes means Barcelona’s Egypt international remains available for selection, although he will begin the match on the bench for a second successive game.

With the line-up confirmed, Barcelona will start the rearranged fixture seeking another strong result after their 5-0 success against Elche. Athletic Bilbao are the opponents at Camp Nou, with kick-off set for 22:00.