Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao: Luis Enrique's first real test as the manager of Barcelona

After a hiatus of nearly two weeks due to the international break, club football resumes in Spain with two heavyweight matches lined up on Saturday. No doubt the Madrid derby between defending champions Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid would take center-stage but the match between Barcelona and last season’s 4th placed team Athletic Bilbao also promises a mouth-watering prospect.

Luis Enrique’s tenure as the manager of Barcelona has started promisingly with two wins from the opening two league games but Barca’s opponent on Saturday would provide arguably the sternest test so far. Athletic Bilbao has not beaten Barcelona at Nou Camp for the last 13 years but the Basque team has always been a tough nut to crack.

Former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen could make his debut on Saturday following his summer arrival from Arsenal while Lionel Messi is just two goal shy of a landmark 400 goals for both club and country. All eyes would be on the latest sensation from the famed La Masia academy, Munir, who has started his senior Barcelona career on a high.

However, Athletic Bilbao will provide a stern test as always with Iker Muniain, Ibai Gomez and Aritz Aduriz having enough skills to trouble any defense. Bilbao’s amazingly talented 20-year-old defender Aymeric Laporte would hope to increase his stocks even higher by keeping Lionel Messi and Co. quiet tomorrow.

All in all, this game promises to be a cracking affair and football lovers should look forward to enjoy a classic.