PREVIEW: Athletic Club v FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona have hit on a fine run of form in La Liga, claiming 13 of the last 15 points at stake, and have yet to lose a single game on the road. Even so, third in the league and nine points adrift of the leaders, they are not in the place they would like to be, although things are looking a lot better than they were a few weeks ago. Let it be known, Barça are by no means totally out of contention in the title race.

All they can do is keep winning and hope that the frontrunners drop some points along the way. But this Sunday at 9pm CET they are going to one of the toughest places to go at the moment. Athletic Club, masterminded by former Barça boss Ernesto Valverde, have not lost at San Mamés since Real Madrid won there on the opening day of the season, and are currently on a run of seven consecutive league wins.

Not only that, but morale is sky high in Bilbao after the Lions qualified for the Copa del Rey final on Thursday, and did so in emphatic fashion, beating Atlético Madrid 3-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate. But even though they have only had three days to recover, they will be eager to put that success behind them and concentrate on this new challenge. With only three points standing between themselves and a Champions League place, the home side will be determined to cap a wonderful week by beating the Catalans.

If they were to do that, it wouldn't be for the first time this year. The 'Cathedral' was the very place where Barça's own cup campaign came to a bitter end. Athletic were simply the better side on January 25 and won 4-2.

But the last month has witnessed a huge improvement in the blaugrana ranks, buoyed by key players returning from injury. Last week's 4-0 victory over Getafe was particularly impressive, and if Xavi can get his side to repeat that kind of performance, then the sky is the only limit.

As usual, we have full details of kick-off times and broadcasters around the world in out TV guide.

How it stands

Leaders Real Madrid came back to draw 2-2 away to Valencia yesterday, extending their lead to seven points over second place Girona, who are away to the other cup finalists, Mallorca, in a 6.30pm CET start this Sunday. The blaugranes can finish the day six porints behind first place with a win.

Squad news

Ferran Torres, Alejandro Balde, Marcos Alonso and Gavi are all still unavailable for FC Barcelona. This game will be the first return to his former home for Iñigo Martinez, who missed January's cup game through injury.

Athletic have some important absentees of their own. Central midfielder Ander Herrera and left back Yuri Berchiche are both out with hamstring injuries, while both centre back Dani Vivian, and perhaps most importantly of all, forward Nico Williams both sit this game out through suspension.

Xavi says

"We have analysed Athletic this week, although we know all about them because we played not long ago and they knocked us out of the cup. They are the most physical and intense team in the league and have just qualified for the cup final in style. They have only lost once at home, it's a very difficult stadium to go to, but we have worked hard all week, and know that if we win it'll be an important step forward."