The Spanish giants approach this fixture just three days after thrashing Bilbao 6-0 at the Camp Nou in their La Liga meeting. However, despite being the underdogs, things could be a little bit different at San Mames; the hosts have not lost a match at home in their last 10 games and they will be hoping to increase the tally to 11 when they face the Catalans.
Ernesto Valverde’s men are facing Luis Enrique’s men for the fifth time this season, having secured a famous 5-1 win on aggregate against the bigwigs in the Spanish Super Cup last August. However, on the other hand, Barca have not lost any of their last four matches and have conceded only one goal during that period.
The Lions celebrate beating Barcelona to the Spanish Super Cup back in August 
With the probable absence of Messi and the lethal Suarez, all eyes will be on the influential Neymar to lead Barcelona’s hunt for goals. However, should he fail to deliver the much-needed goals to ease the pressure on his side ahead of the return leg, The Lions will most-likely pounce on them and cause an embarrassing defeat, the second in a single season.
The Uruguay international was involved in a tunnel brawl with Espanyol players, which led to his suspension from the Copa del Rey
Team news
Athletic Bilbao
Tormentor-in-chief Aritz Aduriz is set to return after serving a suspension that made him miss the La Liga fixture against Barca at the Camp Nou. However, midfielder Raul Garcia and centre-back Aymeric Laporte could miss the fixture due to knee and back injuries respectively.
Barcelona
Lionel Messi will most likely be rested after developing a muscle problem last weekend. Additionally, striker Luis Suarez is suspended from this fixture due to the earlier feud between him and Espanyol players in the tunnel during their Copa del Rey fixture, while Jordi Alba has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Which channel is broadcasting Athletic Club vs Barcelona on TV or Online?
USA: Tune in to beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Español, fuboTV or beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A. at 15:00 EST.
Canada: Watch Athletic Club vs Barcelona live on beIN Sports Canada, beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada or beIN Sports en Español at 15:00 EST.
UK: On LaLigaTVCOPA at exactly 20:00 GMT.
Spain: Tune in to Movistar TV Fútbol, Abono Futbol 1 or Canal+ Partidazo on January 20, 2016 at 21:00 CET to watch the Copa del Rey action between Athletic Club and Barcelona live from San Mames.
You can also visit our live broadcast page for additional broadcast options for other countries across the world.
NOTE: Live broadcast data is subject to change
Form guide in all competitions
Athletic Bilbao: DWLWL
Barcelona: DWWWW
Head to head
- There have been over 2.5 goals in this fixture in all competitions
- The last time Barcelona played at away to Athletic Club, they won 0-1
- There has been only one draw in the last six meetings between the two sides
- Both sides have scored against each other in three of their last six meetings
- The Lions have scored in three of their last four meetings at home against FC Barcelona
- Barcelona have won four of their last six meetings with Athletic Club
Team sheets for Athletic Club vs Barcelona
Athletic Bilbao: Herrerín, De Marcos, Lekue, Etxeita, Laporte, Iturraspe, Beñat, Eraso, Susaeta, Aduriz, Williams.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Piqué, Rakitic, Sergio, Alves, Arda, Iniesta, Neymar Jr, Mascherano, Munir, S. Roberto
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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