"If they (Bilbao) dominate us with their play then they will beat us," Guardiola said on the defending champions' official website.

"They are a strong side. It does not matter if you have a lot of tall players or not in San Mames because they dominate anyway."

Barcelona collected nine points from their first four league games, losing just once against promoted Hercules.

Bilbao, who overturned a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Sporting in their previous match, have seven points.

Both sides' meeting at San Mames last season ended in a 1-1 draw.

"Bilbao know how to play well using direct tactics, but they also know how to battle when required like they did against Sporting," Guardiola added.