FC Barcelona are eyeing a record 26th Copa del Rey title on Friday, 25 May 2012, when they will face Athletic Bilbao at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.
Barca and Bilbao met two times in La Liga this season. The first fixture at the San Mamés ended in a 2-2 draw, while the Catalans won on their home ground by a score of 2-0.
However, these results are somewhat deceiving.
Bilbao were absolutely brilliant in the first fixture. In fact, it took a 90th minute equaliser from Lionel Messi to deny Los Leones three points.
Nonetheless, Bilbao were unable to hold onto two one-goal leads. That must change if Marcelo Bielsa’s men are to win on Friday.
In the second fixture, Bilbao did a good job of playing keep away from the Catalans, limiting Barca to just 55% possession.
Furthermore, the Catalans were playing virtually at full strength, but Bilbao started the match without star trio Iker Muniaín, Ander Herrera and Fernando Llorente.
I doubt Bielsa will leave any of the star trio out of the Copa del Rey final, meaning that Friday’s clash should be a cracker.
Copa del Rey Betting Odds: Athletic Bilbao v FC Barcelona
Athletic Bilbao (10/1) v FC Barcelona (3/10); Draw (5/1)
Bet of the Day: 25 May 2012
Friday’s bet of the day is Athletic Bilbao to score in both halves, paying 6/1 odds with the bookmakers.
Athletic Bilbao: Players to Watch
Bilbao talisman Fernando Llorente is the main man to watch for Los Leones on Friday.
Llorente netted 17 goals in 32 league matches for Bilbao, and will undoubtedly be the primary goal threat for the underdogs.
In addition, Markel Susaeta and Iker Muniain will also pose a threat to the Catalan defence.
Susaeta bagged six goals and seven assists in 38 league appearances for Bilbao in 2011-12.
Although Muniain’s numbers were far from spectacular this past season, the Spaniard has the quality and ambition to trouble any defence. Just ask Manchester United.
Midfielder Ander Herrera, who finished the season tied with Susaeta for the team-lead with seven assists, is the most notable player omission from this list.
FC Barcelona: Players to Watch
Lionel Messi is the primary danger man for FC Barcelona.
You’ve probably heard that once or twice, but it’ll never stop being true.
If the Argentine is in the mood, it’s game over for Bilbao. It is that simple to be honest.
Next in line is Xavi.
The midfield maestro’s sensational goal-scoring form has gone unnoticed by many this season.
The Spain international netted a career high 10 league goals for the Catalans in 2011-12.
Will he score in the Copa de Rey final? I wouldn’t bet against it.
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