Barcelona play their first home La Liga match of the 2024/25 season against Athletic Club on Saturday, August 24.
The Catalans began their campaign with a 2-1 victory at Valencia courtesy of a double from Robert Lewandowski, giving new head coach Hansi Flick a winning start to his time in Spain's top league.
Athletic were held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe in their season opener, but they will expect to have Spain's Euro 2024 star Nico Williams available to start this game. The winger has been heavily linked to Barca during this transfer window but is expected to spend another season with the team from Bilbao, and he would relish the chance to lead his side to maximum points at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Transfer talk has continued to dominate the agenda for Barca despite the promising opening game. They are attempting to register new signing Dani Olmo in time for this weekend, but that could depend on potential outgoings being concluded before Friday this week. It all feels a little bit messy, making their performances on the pitch a welcome distraction for supporters.
The Sporting News looks at the latest predicted lineups and team news below.
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Barcelona vs. Athletic Club confirmed lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Dani Olmo will hope to make his Barcelona debut after missing the 2-1 win at Valencia due to not having been registered in time. Whether or not he is available for this weekend will depend on the future of Ilkay Gundogan, who is on the verge of completing a return to former club Manchester City.
Pedri came off the bench at Mestalla and could be back in the starting lineup, likely alongside 20-year-old Marc Casado, who continues to impress in midfield. Should Olmo start, Raphinha is expected to move to the left wing, meaning Ferran Torres will drop to the bench.
Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ter Stegen (GK)— Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde — Casado, Pedri — Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha — Lewandowski.
Injured: Gavi, Ronaldo Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati
Suspended: None
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Nico Williams is expected to start this game after coming on as a substitute in the season-opening 1-1 draw with Getafe. The Euro 2024 star may well be keen to impress against a side heavily linked with trying to sign him this month.
Fellow Spain international Dani Vivian may also come back into defence after having been given a longer rest following La Roja's triumph at the Euros in Germany.
Alvaro Djalo, newly signed from Braga, could make his debut after recovering from injury.
Athletic Club predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Padilla (GK) — Gorosabel, Paredes, Vivian, Berchiche — Prados, Vesga — I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams — Guruzeta.
Injured: Unai Simon, Julen Agirrezabala, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Oscar de Marcos
Suspended: None
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | ESPN Deportes | ESPN+, Fubo |
| Canada | — | TSN+ |
| UK | Premier Sports 1, La Liga TV | Premier Sports Player |
| Australia | beIN Sports 2 | beIN Sports Connect |
| India | — | GXR World |
USA: This match is available to live stream via ESPN+ and will be broadcast in Spanish-language via ESPN Deportes. Fubo subscribers can also watch the action live.
Canada: TSN+ will stream this match for viewers in Canada.
Australia: Fans in Australia can watch this game on beIN Sports 2 and stream via beIN Sports Connect.
UK: Premier Sports 1 and La Liga TV will broadcast the game on TV in the UK. There are streaming options via Premier Sports Player.
India: While there is currently no TV broadcaster carrying La Liga matches in India, fans can stream this fixture via GXR World.