2020-21 Spanish Primera – Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona kick off? Wednesday 6th January, 2021 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona being played? San Mamés Barria, Bilbao
Where can I get tickets for Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona? No tickets are available as these matches are being played without spectators
What TV channel is Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona on in the UK? This match will be televised live on LaLigaTV (Sky channel 435, Virgin channel 554) for those with a Premier Sport subscription
Where can I stream Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona in the UK? Premier Sport subscribers in the UK can stream the match live via a Premier Player subscription
bet365 customers may be able to stream this match live via their website and you can check their schedule here
THE PREDICTION
The home side come into this game on the back of a win that was very shortly followed by the sacking of manager Gaizka Garitano. Garitano, over a couple of years, has done a relatively good job especially considering the limitations of Athletic’s Basque-only transfer policy. Marcelino, formerly of Valencia, takes charge of his opening game with the opportunity to defeat Barcelona - usually that would strike fear into a manager but, this time, it could really kick start his tenure. The Catalans overcame Huesca at the weekend in another game where Huesca probably deserved more than they got. It was, once again, unconvincing from Barca. This game is the beginning of a run where Barca play three consecutive away games until the return fixture at the end of January. There is a legitimate chance they could be outside of the European spots in February. Athletic have been regularly direct and dogged this season and that is unlikely to change so soon under Marcelino whilst Barcelona have been regularly stodgy and incoherent. Under 2.5 goals looks like a reasonable bet ahead of this one.
