LaLiga 2022-23: Athletic Club vs FC Barcelona: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Los Leones host the Blaugrana in the LaLiga on Sunday

Bilbao have definitely been quite average over the years in LaLiga. The last time they reached the top 6 was back in the 2015-16 season. Ever since then Athletic Club has failed to make it to the top 6, moreover they even finished 16th in one season. As of now, Bilbao is having one of their typical seasons and are on 9th place.

FC Barcelona fell from grace over the years. suffering from humiliating losses in the UEFA Champions League, no glory in LaLiga since the past three seasons. However, Barcelona together with Xavi have made an excellent comeback. As of now FC Barcelona have already won one trophy and are 1st in the LaLiga table with 62 points.

Kick-off:

Sunday, 12-03-2023; 8:00 pm ( GMT )

Monday, 13-03-2023 , 1:30 pm ( IST )

Athletic Bilbao Form ( All Competitions) :

W L L L D

FC Barcelona Form ( All Competitions) :

W L L W W

Players To Watch :

Athletic Bilbao: Inaki Williams

Developed at their academy, Williams has definitely made Athletic Bilbao proud. Inaki has amassed over 350 appearances for Athletic. He has also set a record for  appearing consecutively in 251 La Liga games. Overall Inaki has scored 59 goals and has 42 assists in 294 La Liga games for Athletic Club. As of this season,Inaki is yet to score more goals. The Ghana international has scored just 5 La Liga goals in 22 games.

FC Barcelona : Raphinha

The Leeds FC winger was spot on in the Premier League and earned his way to FC Barcelona. Despite having a shaky start, Raphinha is definitely not a flop and is finding his form. The Brazilian has a goal contribution of 17 for FC Barcelona throughout all competitions. He is Barcelona's top assister as well with 9 assists. Raphinha has also created the second most big chances in La Liga this season (11).

He has also proven to show up in crucial times. In 7 of his games , Raphinha's goals and assists helped the Blaugrana to snatch a victory or a point. Having scored in the last game against Valencia, it is possible that Raphinha will do the same against Bilbao.

Match Facts:

• Bilbao are on a six game winless streak against FC Barcelona in LaLiga. They have also failed to score in their last two games.
• FC Barcelona last lost two away games consecutively in October 2021.

Injury and Team News:

Bilbao are set to miss out on their main goalkeepeer Unai Simon who is suffering from Achilles Tendonitis. Ander Herrera also has a hamstring injury and his return date is unknown. Oihan Sancet is also on suspension in Bilbao's previous match against Rayo Vallecano.

FC Barcelona on the other hand have some key players missing. Ronald Araujo has received a one match suspension in FC Barcelona's previous match against Valencia. Gavi is also set to return from his suspension. Xavi has stated that Lewandowski will return against Bilbao. Pedri is also unlikely to return whereas Dembele is a confirmed absentee.

Head-to-head Stats ( In La Liga)

Matches - 40

Athletic Bilbao - 7

FC Barcelona - 26

Draws - 7

Predicted Line-up

Athletic Bilbao Predicted Line-up ( 4-2-3-1)

Agirrezabala , Berchiche , Martinez , Vivian , Lekue , Garcia , Zarraga , Berenguer , Muniain , N. Williams , Williams

FC Barcelona Predicted Line-up ( 4-3-3)

Ter Stegen , Kounde , Garcia , Christensen , Balde , Gavi  , Busquets , De Jong , Raphinha , Torres , Fati

Match Prediction

FC Barcelona have to maintain their lead and wait for reinforcements in the upcoming matches. Despite missing out on some players, Barcelona earned a valiant victory against Real Madrid. Barcelona will win against Athletic Bilbao but not by a big margin.

Prediction: Athletic Club 0-1 FC Barcelona

Telecast

India: Sports 18, Voot, and Jio Cinema

UK: LaLiga TV

USA: ESPN +

Nigeria: SuperSport