Barca's best XI vs Athletic, depending on Lionel Messi
The Argentine's fitness is the big question ahead of the Bilbao clash in Seville
The big question for Barcelona ahead of the Super Cup final is Leo Messi’s fitness. Will he be in the line up as the team search for their first trophy this season against Athletic Bilbao?
The captain starting or not is the only big question about the line up against Marcelino’s side, who Barca beat 10 days ago at the San Mames, 3-2, with a brace from Messi.
The No 10 will test his fitness today to see if he can play and Barca can pick the same side that won there.
Ronald Koeman’s team is working in a 4-3-3 classic shape with a few extra caveats, and they seem comfortable and able to exploit their virtues like this, gaining confidence.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, so good against Real Sociedad, will be in goal. Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest at full-back, either side of Ronald Araujo and Clement Lenglet.
The midfield will see Sergio Busquets behind Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.
Ousmane Dembele, in the best form of his Barca career, is guaranteed to start with Antoine Griezmann and, if fit, Messi. If not, Martin Braithwaite.
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