FC Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Club football is back after the October international break

The excitement is building as Barcelona, one of the giants of Spanish football, are set to clash with Athletic Bilbao in a thrilling LaLiga encounter. As we gear up for this eagerly anticipated match, let's take a closer look at what we can expect in this battle between two formidable teams.

Barcelona, often hailed as one of the powerhouses of LaLiga, currently find themselves in a respectable third position in the league table. They have amassed 21 points from their opening nine matches of the 2023-24 campaign. Although they're three points behind the league leaders, Real Madrid, they are still very much in contention for the coveted title.

Athletic Bilbao, not to be underestimated, sit fifth in the LaLiga table, boasting a commendable 19 points from their first nine games this season. With their impressive performance, they are a force to be reckoned with, making this match even more intriguing.

Barcelona have been making steady progress in LaLiga this season, with six wins and three draws from their nine matches. Their 21 points have firmly secured their position in the top half of the table. In addition to their domestic success, Barcelona has also been making waves in the Champions League, having won their opening two group-stage matches. They secured a convincing 5-0 victory against Royal Antwerp and followed it up with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Porto.

In their most recent LaLiga fixture before the international break, Barcelona faced Granada and drew 2-2. This match was anything but ordinary, as Barcelona found themselves trailing by two goals before mounting a spectacular comeback, with Lamine Yamal and Sergi Roberto finding the back of the net. While Barcelona remained unbeaten in all competitions this season, it was certainly a match where they lost two points rather than gaining one.

Athletic Bilbao have put up a strong fight in La Liga, having won five, drawn two, and lost two of their nine league matches this season. With 17 points to their name, they currently sit in fifth place in the table.

However, the low point of their season came during the Basque derby on September 30 when they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Real Sociedad. Nonetheless, they bounced back impressively by defeating Almeria 3-0 before the international break, showing that they have the resilience and skill to compete at the highest level.

Kick-Off:

Monday, October 23, 2023, 12:30 AM (IST) Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, in Barcelona, Spain.

Form

Barcelona Form (La Liga): W W W D W D

Athletic Bilbao Form (La Liga): D W W D L W

Players to Watch

João Félix (Barcelona):

The Portuguese-born professional football player João Félix, who now competes for both the Portugal national team and Barcelona on loan from Atlético Madrid. He can also operate as an attacking midfielder or winger.

Barcelona will undoubtedly be hoping Felix can keep getting better while he is a member of the team. In his first four games for Barca, the new player scored four goals, but in his past five games for Xavi's team, he hasn't.

Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao):

Iaki Williams is a forward who competes for the Ghanaian national team and LaLiga club Athletic Bilbao.

The Forward known for his pace and consistency will be looking to make his mark against Bracelona.

Match facts for Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao

• Barcelona lead LaLiga in scoring with 2.3 goals per game, and Athletic Bilbao is fourth in goals allowed with 1.0 per game.
• Athletic Bilbao are currently ranked sixth in LaLiga with 16 goals scored in nine games. Barcelona are now ranked fifth in the league after giving up 10 goals overall over nine games.
• Barcelona are third in the league with a goal differential of +11 in league play.

Team news and Injury

Barcelona face numerous injuries with key players, including Sergi Roberto, Jules Kounde, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri unavailable. Their potential return in the coming week is crucial. Ronald Araujo and Ilkay Gundogan, initially in doubt due to international commitments, are declared fit, with Oriol Romeu set to return.

Athletic Bilbao are without Nico Williams and Yeray Alvarez due to injuries, Aitor Paredes and Iker Muniain are expected to step in. Several other players like Mikel Vesga, Peru Nolaskoain, and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta remain sidelined. Dani Garcia and Oscar de Marcos are likely to feature in key roles.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 41

Barcelona:  27

Draw:  7

Athletic Bilbao: 7

Predicted Lineup for Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Christensen, Araujo, Balde; Gundogan, Romeu, Gavi; Yamal, F Torres, Felix

Athletic Bilbao Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Simon; De Marcos, Paredes, Vivian, Berchiche; Herrera, D Garcia; I Williams, Sancet, Muniain; Guruzeta

Match Prediction for Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao

With all these factors in mind, this match is shaping up to be a true spectacle. Athletic Bilbao, in their excellent form, will pose a significant challenge to Barcelona, who are still dealing with injuries to key players. Despite the hurdles, Barcelona's experience and home advantage make them the favorites.

Prediction: Barcelona- 2-1 -Athletic Bilbao

Though Athletic Bilbao will likely make life difficult for Barcelona, the Catalan outfit's determination and their track record against Athletic Bilbao in recent La Liga matches give them the edge. It's a clash that promises goals, excitement, and drama, and we can't wait to see how it unfolds on the pitch.

Telecast/ Stream

India – Jio TV

UK– LaLigaTV, Viaplay UK, Viaplay Sports 1, ITV 4, ITVX,

US – ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes

Canada– TSN+, TSN2

Nigeria – Super Sport, Canal+ Sport, Zap