(CNN) Joe Biden is expected to use this week's debate to argue Democrats should select a nominee who is able to offer "more than plans," an adviser to the former vice president says, previewing a potential line of attack against Sen. Elizabeth Warren, whose campaign mantra is "I've got a plan for that."

Biden and Warren are set to face off on the debate stage for the first time at the third Democratic presidential primary debate, a one night event featuring 10 candidates in Houston on Thursday.

"I expect you'll see Biden echo an important point he made during last week' climate forum: we need more than plans, we need a President who can deliver progress on the most pressing issues facing Americans -- which Joe Biden has proven he can throughout his career," a Biden adviser said.

Advisers to Biden have tried to downplay a head-to-head matchup with Warren over the past week, with the adviser arguing, "There will be 10 candidates on the debate stage, not 2. And regardless of who is or isn't attacking Joe Biden, Biden is focused on running his race."

Warren's campaign declined to comment on Biden's potential debate strategy.

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