Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao: Premier League Preview, Predictions, Team News and Lineups.

Kelvin A. Amaniampong Match Analysis 24 August 2024 Hits: 106

Barcelona will aim to continue their perfect start to the new La Liga season when they host Athletic Bilbao at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys this Saturday night. Hansi Flick's side opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Valencia, while Athletic Bilbao were held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe in their first match of the season.

Match Preview

Nico Williams- Lamine Yamal in action

Barcelona had to come from behind to secure their opening win of the season against Valencia. Hugo Duro gave Valencia the lead just before halftime, but Robert Lewandowski struck twice, either side of the break, to ensure a winning start for Flick in his first competitive game as Barcelona's head coach.

Athletic Bilbao started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Getafe, with Oihan Sancet putting them ahead before they conceded an equalizer just after the hour mark. Ernesto Valverde's side, who finished fifth in La Liga last season, now face a stern test in Barcelona. Athletic will need to pick up points in tough fixtures like this if they are to challenge for a top-four finish.

The Lions have managed to retain Nico Williams but have seen departures like Dani Garcia and Iker Muniain. New signings Alvaro Djalo and Andoni Gorosabel have been added to the squad, and more signings are expected before the transfer window closes. Athletic's last visit to Barcelona ended in a goalless draw, but they have not beaten Barcelona away from home in La Liga since November 2001.

Team News

Image Credit: Photo By Ricardo Larreina/Europa Press via Getty Images

Barcelona will be without Ansu Fati, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi due to injury. Dani Olmo might make his debut off the bench, with Pedri expected to play in the number 10 role. Flick fielded a youthful lineup against Valencia, with 17-year-olds Pau Cubarsi, Marc Bernal, and Lamine Yamal starting, and they are likely to retain their places against Athletic.

For Athletic, Nico Williams, who came off the bench against Getafe, is expected to start against Barcelona, likely replacing Alex Berenguer in the starting lineup. The Lions have several players sidelined, including Djalo, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Nico Serrano, Oscar de Marcos, Julen Agirrezabala, and Unai Simon. Aitor Paredes is also a doubt after picking up a muscular injury against Getafe.

Predicted Lineup

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; Bernal, Casado; Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Athletic Bilbao: Padilla; Gorosabel, Yeray, Vivian, Yuri; Prados, Vesga; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta

Key Insights and Predictions

1. Head-to-Head: In their last 44 meetings, Barcelona has dominated with 28 wins, while Athletic Bilbao has won 8, and 8 matches have ended in a draw.

2. Goals Galore: Matches between these two sides have averaged 2.95 goals per game, with BTTS (Both Teams to Score) occurring in 50% of those matches.

3. Corner Kicks: The corners market suggests a busy game, with over 9.5 corners being favored at odds of 1.90, indicating plenty of action from set-pieces.

Odds Market on MSport

1. Barcelona Win: 1.70
2. Athletic Bilbao Win: 5.25
3. Draw: 4.26
4. Over 2.5 Goals: 1.74
5. Under 2.5 Goals: 2.15

Barcelona will look to maintain their strong start, but Athletic Bilbao will be keen to spring a surprise and secure a rare victory at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

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