How Barcelona could line up against Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona will be targeting a fifth straight victory in Spain's top flight when they welcome an in-form Athletic Bilbao to Camp Nou on Sunday evening.

The Catalan giants, who beat Rayo Vallecano in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday to advance to the quarter-finals, are currently third in La Liga, 10 points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

Ronald Koeman's side have won their last four league games during a strong run of form, though, and are unbeaten in Spain's top flight since the start of December.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Barca could line up against Athletic.

Out: Ansu Fati (knee), Gerard Pique (knee), Philippe Coutinho (knee), Sergio Busquets (suspension) Doubtful: Sergi Roberto (muscle)

Barca will again be without the services of Ansu Fati, Gerard Pique and Philippe Coutinho through injury, but there is a chance that Sergi Roberto could be involved, with the Spain international recently returning to training following a muscular problem.

The home side will definitely be without Sergio Busquets, with the experienced midfielder suspended due to the booking that he picked up against Elche last weekend, meaning that there could be a spot in the middle of the park for Miralem Pjanic.

Koeman will ring the changes from the side that started in the Copa del Rey, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Sergino Dest, Jordi Alba and Ousmane Dembele among those likely to return.

Lionel Messi was absent against Elche last weekend through suspension, but the Argentine was back in the team and back on the scoresheet against Rayo, and the 33-year-old should be joined by Dembele and Antoine Griezmann in the final third of the field here.

Pedri should also return to the side, with the 18-year-old making a big impression for Barca since arriving at the club last summer.