Match Preview
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
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
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
_large.png)
