Athletic Bilbao will attempt to win the Copa del Rey for the 24th time when they take on Barcelona in the final of the 2021 competition on Saturday night.

The Basque outfit, who lost the 2020 final to Real Sociedad earlier this month, will be without the services of Yeray Alvarez, Peru Nolaskoain, Yuri Berchiche and Oier Zarraga through injury.

Head coach Marcelino will make changes to the side that started the goalless draw with Alaves last time out, with Oscar de Marcos and Inigo Martinez both set to return to the back four.

Yuri's absence at left-back should mean that there is another start for Inigo Lekue, while Iker Muniain, Alex Berenguer, Raul Garcia and Inaki Williams are all expected to feature in forward positions.

Marcelino has plenty of options in the middle of the park, with Unai Lopez, Mikel Vesga, Dani Garcia and Unai Vencedor all competing for spots in midfield.

Lopez and Vesga both started the goalless draw with Alaves, meaning that Dani Garcia and Vencedor could come into the starting side this weekend.

Barca are once again expected to line up with a back three on Saturday, but Athletic are unlikely to alter their 4-4-2 formation, with Raul Garcia featuring alongside Williams as part of a front two.

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup: Simon; De Marcos, Nunez, Martinez, Lekue; Berenguer, Vencedor, D Garcia, Muniain; R Garcia, Williams

> Click here to see how Barcelona could line up for this contest

Written by
Matt Law