Preview: Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona will be looking to make it a perfect nine points from three games when they host Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou on Saturday afternoon.

It has been an excellent start to life as head coach for Luis Enrique, but his side will face their toughest challenge of the campaign so far against last season's fourth-placed side.

Enrique has been handed a boost in his preparations, with Thomas Vermaelen believed to be ready to make his debut in place of Jeremy Mathieu, who is struggling with an ankle injury.

Andres Iniesta has been back in training this week, but it remains unclear whether he will be risked ahead of the start of Barcelona's Champions League campaign.

Bilbao are currently three points behind the leaders following one win and one loss from their opening two games, and Ernesto Valverde is likely to name the same team which beat Levante 3-0 before the international break.

Recent form

Barcelona: WW

Bilbao: LW

Possible starting lineups

Barcelona: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Vermaelen, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Rafinha; Pedro, Messi, Munir

Bilbao: Iraizoz, Laporte, Balenziaga, San Jose, De Marcos, Iturraspe, Mikel Rico, Benat, Gomez, Muniain, Aduriz

Sports Mole says: 3-1