With a victory over Athletico Bilbao, Barcelona will have an opportunity to break the record for the best start in a La Liga campaign and in the process, build on their lead atop the standings.

At the present time, Barcelona holds a three-point cushion over Athletic Bilbao.  To top it off, the football club is ahead of powerhouse Real Madrid by a whopping 11 points.

According to International Business Times, Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has tried to simmer down the potential ramifications of the week 14 fixtures.

"We just have to focus on Bilbao-everything else is out of our hands.  You are talking about ending the weekend 14 points ahead, but it could just as easily be eight," he said.

Athletico Bilbao hasn't fared as well as their La Liga opponents.  The team currently sits in 14th place in the table. With contract complications that have relegated Fernando Llorente to the bench and the selling of Javi Martinez during the summer, Marcelo Bielsa's squad has played uncharacteristically worst then last season.

Nonetheless, Bielsa's infamous high-pressure style attack should make the fixture a more challenging one, said Vilanova.

"They still play a very intense game and they will make it a difficult game for us," he explained.

Dani Alves will be out of the matchup with a hamstring injury with Alexis Sanchez, Isaac Cuenca, Marc Bartra and Eric Abidal all on the bench.  Adriano is also doubtful for the game due to an illness.

CLICK HERE to watch Barcelona face off against Athletico Bilbao via free live stream.  Coverage of the La Liga game is set to begin at 8 p.m. CET on Saturday, Dec. 1. The probable lineups for the matchup can be viewed below.

Barcelona

G: Valdes

D: Montoya, Puyol, Pique, Alba

M: Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta

F: Pedro, Messi, Villa

Athletic Bilbao

G: Iraizoz

D: Iraola, Ekiza, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe

M: De Marcos, Iturraspe

Susaeta, Ander, Muniain

F: Aduriz

Tags: La Liga International Soccer