Prediction: Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 13/17

Bookmaker: BetUS

Barcelona, the reigning La Liga champions, will be aiming to get back on the winning track in Spain’s top flight as they host Athletic Bilbao at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday night.

Barcelona currently occupy the third position in the La Liga table, having collected 21 points from their first nine matches of the season, while Bilbao sit fifth with 19 points from their initial nine games in the 2023/24 campaign.

Barcelona

Barcelona have done relatively well in La Liga this season, winning six and drawing three of their nine matches to accumulate 21 points, placing them in the third position in the league. They are currently trailing the league leaders, their arch-rivals Real Madrid, by three points.

In the Champions League, Barcelona have had a promising start, securing victories in their first two group-stage matches. They defeated Royal Antwerp 5-0 and recorded a 1-0 win over Porto, positioning themselves well for their upcoming match at home against Shakhtar Donetsk on October 25.

Their most recent La Liga match ended in a 2-2 draw with Granada, where they found themselves two goals behind before Lamine Yamal and Sergi Roberto scored. Barcelona remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, but the result against Granada was seen as two points dropped rather than one gained.

In their last match at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona secured a 1-0 victory over Sevilla, and they are eager to continue their winning streak this weekend before the highly anticipated El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 28.

The Catalans have won each of their last three La Liga matches against Athletic Bilbao and have remained unbeaten against the Basque side in Spain’s top flight since August 2019.

Xavi may have some concerns about the draws against Getafe, Mallorca, and Granada this season, but the overall start has been positive as the team aims to compete on all fronts in the 2023/24 season.

Team News

Barca are currently dealing with a substantial injury list. However, in his pre-match press conference, Xavi mentioned that both Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde would be available for selection following their recent fitness problems.

Still, the team remains without several key players, including Sergi Roberto, Jules Kounde, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri. There is hope that some of these players will make their return over the next week. The potential return of Lewandowski, Raphinha, De Jong, and Pedri could be crucial for the upcoming El Clasico, even at this early stage of the season.

Despite concerns about the availability of Ronald Araujo and Ilkay Gundogan due to their international commitments, both players have been declared fit for this match. Also, Oriol Romeu is expected to make a return to the starting lineup.

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao have had a relatively strong start to their La Liga campaign this season too, with five wins, two draws, and two losses in their nine matches, accumulating 17 points. They currently sit in fifth place in the league standings.

One of the low points of their season came in the Basque derby on September 30, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Real Sociedad. However, they responded impressively with a 3-0 victory over Almeria just before the international break.

Ernesto Valverde’s team is only four points behind third-placed Granada, and they’ve collected seven points from their four away league games this season, providing them with confidence heading into their upcoming match against the league leaders.

While Athletic have finished eighth in the league in their last two campaigns, they achieved fourth place in 2013/14 and fifth place in 2015/16. This term, securing a European spot is a realistic goal for them.

Team News

Bilbao will be without Nico Williams due to a back issue, and Yeray Alvarez is unavailable due to a muscle problem he picked up in the previous match against Almeria.

As a replacement for Yeray, Aitor Paredes is expected to come into the starting lineup. Additionally, Iker Muniain is likely to be given a role in a wide position due to Nico Williams’ absence.

Injury concerns continue for Valverde’s team, with Mikel Vesga, Peru Nolaskoain, and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta all sidelined, just as they were in the last match against Almeria. Dani Garcia, who scored in that match, is expected to maintain his position in central midfield alongside Ander Herrera. Oscar de Marcos is likely to be featured once again at right-back.

Conclusion

This should be a very interesting match between two high-quality sides. Though Bilbao certainly have what it takes to trouble Barcelona, the home side remain favourites to win by a narrow margin, but neither goalkeeper is likely to keep a clean sheet.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 13/17

Bookmaker: BetUS