Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao on and what time does it start? Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao will take place on Sunday 22nd October, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao on in the UK? Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao in the UK? Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
BARCELONA
As defending champions, Barcelona enjoyed an impressive summer transfer window which saw them pick up the likes of Inigo Martinez, Ilkay Gundogan, Oriol Romeu, Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo all for less than £5 million. The Blaugrana had a lot of room for improvement in terms of their performances, though, after being fairly unconvincing in a lot of victories last season.
Prior to the October international break, they rescued a point with a 2-2 draw in Andalusia against Granada, in which they fell 1-0 and then 2-1 down. That draw means they begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting three points behind league leaders Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico, next weekend.
ATHLETIC BILBAO
The ‘cantera’ policy means that Athletic Club struggle to really invest into their club each summer and yet they remain one of three teams to have never been relegated out of La Liga. Not only do they always avoid the seemingly inevitable fate of going backwards, the Basque club have will expect to, once again, be in the hunt for a top seven finish and European qualification.
After missing out on seventh and the UEFA Europa Conference League on the final day of last season, Athletic started this season with a poor 2-0 defeat at home to Real Madrid. However, Ernesto Valverde’s men have since enjoyed five victories, two draws and just one defeat since that opening day loss as they challenge for a top four spot in these early stages.
THE TEAM NEWS
BARCELONA
Both Robert Lewandowski and Pedri are doubts for this weekend with the likes of key men such as Jules Kounde, Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong all out due to injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Lopez, Gundogan, Gavi; Yamal, Torres, Joao Felix
UNAVAILABLE: Roberto (Injured), Kounde (Injured), Raphinha (Injured), de Jong (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Lewandowski (Injured), Pedri (Injured)
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Ernesto Valverde is without the likes of Yeray Alvarez, Inigo Ruiz de Galaretta and Nico Williams with Oscar de Marcos also remaining a doubt for this weekend’s trip to Camp Nou.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; Lekue, Vivian, Garcia de Albeniz, Berchiche; Herrera, Garcia; I.Williams, Sancet, Muniain; Guruzeta
UNAVAILABLE: Williams (Injured), Yeray (Injured), Vesga (Injured), Ruiz de Galaretta (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Nolaskoain (Injured), de Marcos (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Barcelona are in a position where this game is pretty much must win. Failure to do so allows Madrid to open up a five or six point lead over the Catalans ahead of El Clasico next week; which could then see Barca nine points behind Los Blancos by the end of October. They are a very strong and improved team, though, this year and even with injuries up against a strong Athletic side coached by former Barca man, Ernesto Valverde, a comfortable home win remains the likeliest outcome for this one.
TIP: BARCELONA TO WIN
