Team News: Luis Enrique opts for strong Barcelona XI in Athletic Bilbao clash

Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique has picked a strong starting XI as his side prepares to take on Athletic Bilbao in Thursday night's Copa del Rey last-16 first leg at San Mames.

The Catalan giants, whose last competitive fixture was in the same competition on December 21, make nine changes from the side which beat Hercules 7-0 on that day.

Enrique has brought back the majority of his first-team players to the fold, including the famed attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

As for the hosts, head coach Ernesto Valverde has made three changes to the Bilbao side which beat Racing Santander 3-0 on December 22.

Out go Inigo Lekue, Mikel Rico and Iker Muniain, and in come Eneko Boveda, Enric Saborit and Ander Iturraspe.

Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz; Boveda, Laporte, Etxeita, Balenziaga; San Jose, Ituraspe; Williams, Garcia, Saborit; Aduriz

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Follow all the action from San Mames with Sports Mole's live text commentary.