Barcelona coach Xavi expects a tactical battle against Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona's form has been inconsistent in February, although their counter-attacking prowess has helped them to score crucial goals in LaLiga Santander and in their Europa League tie against Napoli.

"Real Madrid caught us out with the counter-attack in one game, yet we caught Napoli out with it," Xavi told the media.

"This is also part of our DNA.

"I remember [Hristo] Stoichkov scoring goals against a high defence and [David] Villa and [Thierry] Henry. This is football, the spaces are used."

Barcelona were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Athletic Club in January, and they will be hoping to hit back in the league fixture at the Camp Nou.

"We are a different state since the last time we faced them," Xavi said.

"We have improved in many aspects of the game, the ways of moving the ball around.

"Now we also have several different players.

"We have confidence and are improving, but we have to show that in every game.

"Athletic beat Real Sociedad with a fantastic result."