Prediction: Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao

Verdict: Robert Lewandowski to score anytime

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to lay down a marker at the Nou Camp this weekend, Barcelona will welcome Athletic Bilbao to Catalonia on Sunday night.

Barcelona

Starting with the hosts, managing to make a much-needed return to winning ways earlier in the week, there is no doubt that Barcelona will be desperate to build off of that display. Eventually cruising their way to a 3-0 romp at home against Villarreal, Xavi has made it clear that he is calling on his squad to find some recent stability. Knowing that they need a minor miracle if they’re to book their Champions League knockout stage ticket this year, Barca have picked up just a pair of victories from their previous five appearances across all formats. However, despite coming under some real scrutiny for their European performances this season, Xavi’s side are enjoying an extended domestic purple patch. Despite suffering that 3-1 loss at the hands of defending champions and bitter rivals Real Madrid last weekend, it should be noted that Sunday’s hosts have won each of their other eight La Liga showdowns.

Team News

Already racking up 11 goals from his opening 10 La Liga appearances this season, Robert Lewandowski will spearhead Barca’s attack on Sunday night.

While Xavi is once again unlikely to be without the defensive duo of Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo this weekend, Dutch international Memphis Depay could make his return from an injury issue here.

Athletic Bilbao

As for the visitors, while Athletic Bilbao might have gained plenty of praise from across Spain since opening the 2022/23 campaign, it appears that Ernesto Valverde’s men are enduring a recent wobble. Struggling to keep up their momentum since returning from September’s international break, the former Barcelona boss has seen his side fail to win any of their previous three La Liga matchups. Last seen having to settle for a disappointing 2-2 draw at the hands of Getafe, Los Leones will know that they face a real challenge on Sunday night. Seeking some recent stability at the back, Bilbao should also be worried by their most recent meeting against the Spanish heavyweights. Hit with a 4-0 drumming when they made the trip to the Nou Camp back on February 27th, they have also failed to win any of their previous eight straight showdowns against Sunday’s hosts.

Team News

Athletic Bilbao have already confirmed that the duo of Ander Capa and Jon Morcillo will once again miss out at the Nou Camp this weekend.

Without a win since returning from September’s international break, Valverde could be tempted to hand Raul Garcia and Dani Garcia a return on Sunday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back on February 27th, Barcelona picked up a 4-0 romp at the Nou Camp.
• Likewise, Sunday’s hosts are unbeaten in each of their previous eight straight meetings against Barca.
• Athletic Bilbao have failed to win any of their three La Liga matchups since returning from September’s international break.
• Each of the previous seven meetings between Sunday’s opponents have seen over 1.5 goals by the final whistle.
• Robert Lewandowski has scored 11 goals in his opening 10 La Liga appearances this season.

Conclusion

Managing to make a rampant return to winning ways thanks to a 3-0 victory at home against Villarreal earlier in the week, Barcelona will be looking to lay down another domestic marker on Sunday night. Looking to cash in on an Athletic Bilbao side that have struggled with their form since returning from September’s international break, the Spanish heavyweights also have one attacking talisman who is enjoying a remarkable free-scoring run. Already racking up 11 La Liga strikes from his opening 10 appearances this season, we’re backing Lewandowski to extend on his tally here.

Verdict: Robert Lewandowski to score anytime

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet