Barcelona vs Athletic Club: Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

This next weekend in La Liga, Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao will square off against one another. The match, which is set to begin at 6 pm UK time this coming Saturday, will pit Ernesto Valverde's squad against Hansi Flick's squad at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Head-to-head and Previous matches

Among the most illustrious clubs in the world, the Spanish powerhouse Barcelona ranks high. But the Blaugrana have yet to play well and have had little monetary luck recently. Although they have a good chance of winning La Liga, Barcelona's chances of winning the UEFA Champions League could be higher.

Last season, the Blaugrana came in second place in La Liga, but there was a significant portion of the season when it seemed like they would need more time to finish in the top four. Even in the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona was mostly ineffective.

After Spain's summertime UEFA Euro 2024 victory in Germany and the appointment of Hansi Flick as coach, Barcelona supporters had high expectations for the next season. The reigning European and Spanish champions got their La Liga season off to a victorious start. This previous weekend, they barely defeated Valencia 2-1 on the road.

Among Spain's most storied and long-running clubs is Athletic Bilbao. The Basque side doesn't win or even finish in the top four of La Liga too often, but it wants to be a regular fixture in the UEFA Champions League.

Last year, Zuri-gorriak performed well. Bilbao reached a La Liga table high of fifth at the season's end. They fought for a UEFA Champions League berth right up to the last whistle and are eager to do it all over again this year.

A tie was the first score in Ernesto Valverde's La Liga debut. At Estadio San Mamés, Athletic and Getafe, they fought to a 1-1 tie in a league match last weekend. This following weekend, they will face Barcelona away from home at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, and the players will be desperate to make apologies for the sad setback.

Barcelona x Athletic Team News

When Barcelona takes on Athletic Bilbao, head coach Hansi Flick will most likely start with a 4-3-3 formation. The Blaugrana's starting lineup for the match will consist of Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal and Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, and Jules Konde up front. The starting lineup for the attacking positions is Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha. The midfield will be manned by Ferran Torres, Marc Bernal, and Marc Casado.

It seems probable that Athletic Bilbao will use a 4-2-3-1 configuration. The Basque giants' Álex Padilla will start in goal and will most likely be defended by Andoni Gorosabel, Yeray, Aitor Paredes, and Yuri Berchiche. The two holding midfielders that will be selected are Beñat Prados and Mikel Vesga. The three offensive midfielders will be Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, and Nico Williams. It seems probable that Gorka Guruzeta will spearhead Bilbao's charge.

Our Predictions

Barcelone to win @ 1.67 on Sky247.ng

Hansi Flick's squad has the upper hand and will be playing at home, but Athletic Bilbao is a formidable opponent who will not be intimidated by the challenge. Although Barcelona won't exactly roll over Athletic, it would be shocking if Barça didn't win.

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