Bilbao have just appointed a new coach so it’s hard to say what we should expect from them.
Team news
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao are likely to miss Peru Nolaskoain, Yeray Alvarez and Unai Lopez through injury. (h/t WhoScored)
Barcelona
Barcelona won’t be able to count on Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique and Philippe Coutinho.
Carles Alena (close to leaving for Getafe) and Matheus Fernandes have been omitted from the match squad.
Key stats
In the last five games between Barca and Bilbao, the Catalans have registered one win, two draws and two losses.
The last time Blaugrana managed to beat the Basques away was back in 2017, the match ended 2-0 in our favour.
Barca have actually failed to score in the last three away matches at the San Mames.
Probable line-ups
Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Lenglet, Alba; De Jong, Busquets; Messi, Pedri, Dembele; Braithwaite.
Bilbao XI: Simon; Capa, Nunez, Martinez, Berchiche; Berenguer, Vesga, Garcia, Muniain; Williams, Villalibre. (h/t SportsMole)
Managers’ quotes
Ronald Koeman (Barcelona): “I don’t think Athletic will change their system, Marcelino has just arrived. They are a team who always show their face at home, they are physical. I don’t think that will change. We have to be prepared.”
Marcelino (Athletic Bilbao) “The game against Barca will be very difficult. We have to close the spaces and generate opportunities. The normal thing is that they have the ball more.”
Predictions
SportsMole’s Darren Plant: Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Barcelona
“Despite much of their recent criticism being deserved, Barcelona still head into this contest as the clear favourites. While we do not expect a match that is easy on the eye, the visitors should have enough quality in the final third to claim a hard-fought win.”
WhoScored’s Simon Harrison: Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Barcelona
“Athletic have won two of their last three home matches in La Liga, defeating Elche and Huesca. The hosts, however, have won just two of their last eight league matches, with their inconsistency ultimately leading to Garitano’s firing.
“Barcelona are unbeaten in their last six La Liga games, winning their last two away matches without conceding a goal.”
Follow our socials Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google News.
