Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao: Flick names Yamal and Adeyemi among expected starters

Barcelona will begin their LaLiga campaign at home to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, 27 August 2026, with Lamine Yamal, Karim Adeyemi and Pedri included in the expected starting line-up for the hosts.

The match at Spotify Camp Nou is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT, with Hansi Flick’s side aiming to make a strong start to the new Spanish league season. Barcelona are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation, with the German manager relying on several of the club’s key players for the opening fixture.

Joan Garcia is predicted to start in goal, while Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo are expected to form the defensive line.

Pedri is set to anchor a midfield that could also feature Bernal and Fermin Lopez. Further forward, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are likely to operate alongside Karim Adeyemi in the Barcelona attack.

The proposed Barcelona XI is:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Defenders: Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo

Midfielders: Pedri, Bernal, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi

Athletic Bilbao will travel to Barcelona with a number of players unavailable. Egiluz, Vivian, Serrano and Gorosabel are all expected to miss the match, leaving the Basque club with defensive and squad-selection issues ahead of the opening round.

Despite those absences, Athletic Bilbao are not without options. The club has a sizeable group to choose from and is still expected to name a competitive side capable of challenging Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou.

Unai Simon is the anticipated goalkeeper, with Jesus Areso, Aitor Paredes, Aymeric Laporte and Adama Boiro forming the defence.

In midfield, Benat Gerenabarrena, Peio Canales and Oihan Sancet are expected to start. Athletic Bilbao’s attacking line could consist of Inaki Williams, Gorka Guruzeta and Nico Williams.

The expected Athletic Bilbao line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Unai Simon

Defenders: Jesus Areso, Aitor Paredes, Aymeric Laporte, Adama Boiro

Midfielders: Benat Gerenabarrena, Peio Canales, Oihan Sancet

Forwards: Inaki Williams, Gorka Guruzeta, Nico Williams

Barcelona are favourites for the fixture according to the odds published by betting company 1xBet. The hosts are priced at 1.28 to win, while a draw is listed at 5.80 and an Athletic Bilbao victory at 8.80.

The game will therefore open the Spanish championship programme for both clubs, with Barcelona hosting Athletic Bilbao in one of the headline fixtures of the first LaLiga matchday.