How Barcelona could line up against Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona go up against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday evening looking to extend their unbeaten record in La Liga to seven matches.

The recent upturn in results has put the Catalan giants in a position where victory at the San Mames Stadium will move the club into third position in the standings.

However, with a number of long-term injuries to contend with, Ronald Koeman will likely make changes for the club's second game in 72 hours.

Here, Sports Mole predicts how Barcelona could line up for the game against opponents who have just appointed Marcelino as their new manager.

Out: Ansu Fati (knee), Gerard Pique (knee), Sergi Roberto (muscle), Philippe Coutinho (knee)

While positives and negatives were taken from the 1-0 victory at bottom-of-the-table side Huesca on Sunday, it is unlikely to influence Koeman's thinking regarding his next XI.

The Dutchman needs to manage the fitness of his squad, and that should lead to Miralem Pjanic getting the nod over veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets.

Having started six games since December 13, Martin Braithwaite could drop out of the team in order to give an opportunity to Antoine Griezmann.

Ousmane Dembele completed 90 minutes for just the third time in two months at the weekend, something which may relegate the Frenchman to the substitutes' bench.

Francisco Trincao, who is without a league start all season, could be drafted into the team, with Lionel Messi taking his place on the opposite flank.

Philippe Coutinho will play no part in this match after it was revealed that he required surgery on a knee injury.