Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Barcelona are returning to Camp Nou for the first time in a couple of years and the Blaugrana begin, with a reduced crowd, with the visit of Athletic Club to Catalonia.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – ESPN+
Barcelona preview: Closing the gap
Barcelona headed into the November international break on the back of closing the gap against Real Madrid, now sitting three points behind league leading Los Blancos after Madrid were held to a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano.
A few hours after that game, Barca produced a thrilling performance to defeat Celta Vigo by four goals to two at Balaidos in Galicia with Poland captain Robert Lewandowski restoring some form with a hat-trick in that game.
Athletic Bilbao preview: Under a bit of pressure
Coached by Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club have been inconsistent throughout the campaign and they have struggled to balance La Liga and the UEFA Champions League league phase, but they did earn a much-needed win last time out.
A couple of weeks ago, the Basque giants edged past a very poor Real Oviedo side by a goal to nil with an unconvincing victory at San Mames in the Basque Country, courtesy of a 25th minute winner scored by former Barcelona target Nico Williams.
Barcelona team news: Midfield issues
Barcelona have quite a few midfield issues for this one with Frenkie de Jong missing through suspension, whilst both Pedri and Gavi are out injured. Lamine Yamal missed the international break due to injury but he should be available for this one.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Szczesny; Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alex Balde; Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Rashford
Unavailable: Ter Stegen (Injured), De Jong (Suspended), Pedri (Injured), Gavi (Injured)
Questionable: Joan Garcia (Injured), Marc Casado (Injured), Raphinha (Injured), Lamine Yamal (Injured)
Athletic Bilbao team news: Several key issues
First-choice goalkeeper Unai Simon sustained an injury on international duty with Spain and he is now a doubt for this one, alongside Oihan Sancet, whilst Inaki Williams is a confirmed absentee.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alex Padilla; Andoni Gorosabel, Dani Vivian, Laporte, Yuri Berchiche; Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar; Alex Berenguer, Alejandro Rego, Nico Williams; Gorka Guruzeta
Unavailable: Yeray (Disciplinary), Unai Egiluz (Injured), Benat Prados (Injured), Inaki Williams (Injured), Maroan Sannadi (Injured)
Questionable: Unai Simon (Injured), Inigo Lekue (Injured), Oihan Sancet (Injured)
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao prediction
Barcelona will get themselves on the front foot and they will be expected to put on a show back in front of a Camp Nou crowd. The Catalans’ high-line has perhaps been overly exposed in the last couple of months, but this is an Athletic side missing the man who can play that key pass in behind, Oihan Sancet, with a couple of other key absentees in the final third. A comfortable Barca win is to be expected.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao tip: Barcelona to win & over 2.5 goals
