Big Copa del Rey action awaits us!
On Thursday, the Catalans will take on Athletic Club away from home.
Team news
Barcelona
Eric Garcia, Samuel Umtiti, Sergi Roberto and Memphis Depay will miss the game through injuries.
Martin Braithwaite is doubtful.
Luuk de Jong is suspended.
Athletic Club
Back-up centre-back Unai Nunez, first-choice central midfielder Unai Vencedor and second-choice striker Asier Villalibre are expected to miss the clash due to injuries.
Stats
The Catalans have dropped points in 6 of their last 10 matches against Bilbao.
Athletic Club are currently in a poor home form, winning just one of their last 5 home fixtures across all competitions.
Barca, in turn, haven't lost a single away match in domestic competitions since October 27 – this was Ronald Koeman's last game in charge.
Probable lineups
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Araujo, Pique, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; Torres, Jutgla, Fati.
Athletic Bilbao XI: Agirrezabala; Alex, Vivian, Martinez, Lekue; N Williams, Nolaskoain, Vesga, Serrano; R Garcia, Berenguer (h/t SportsMole).
Prediction
SportsMole: Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Barcelona
It is difficult to know exactly what to expect on Thursday, as both managers will make changes from their usual starting teams. Barcelona's squad is starting to look a lot stronger following their injury issues, though, and we fancy the Catalan giants to navigate their way to the quarter-finals of the competition.
