Athletic Club vs FC Barcelona Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

The Lehoiak will take on the Blaugrana in the Semi-Final of Supercopa de Espana

Athletic Bilbao will lock horns against the Catalan giants FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday evening. Athletic Club won against Logrones in the Copa del Rey, they somehow managed to win this fixture in the penalties by 3-4. The Basque team’s performance was not up to the mark at all and Ernesto Valverde was not happy on the sidelines. Even though they are in good form still some work needs to be done to perform consistently. They will have to be at their best when they take on Barcelona.

The Blaugrana started their new year with a win in the Copa del Rey where they beat Barbastro by 4-0. The Catalan club is surrounded by controversy as their two main players Pau Victor and Dani Olmo are not registered and President Laporta is facing a lot of heat from the fans.

FC Barcelona ended last year with two consecutive defeats in La Liga and now from table toppers, they have slipped to third spot in the league. The Catalan club will have to regain their confidence as soon as possible. Hansi Flick’s men will have to make sure to give some happiness to the Culers when they face Athletic Club. This will be an exciting fixture for sure and the fans in Saudi Arabia will enjoy a top-quality fixture between these two Spanish teams.

🫂 All together!#AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/9iZP2WYBLv

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) January 1, 2025

Kick-off:

Wedensday, 8 Jan 2024 at 07:00 PM UK

Thursday, 9 Jan 2024 at 12:30 AM IST

Location: King Abdullah Sports City

Form

Athletic Club (in all competitions): W-W-D-W-W

FC Barcelona (in all competitions): W-L-L-W-D

Players to Watch

Alex Berenguer (Athletic Club)

Despite having a small stature, he is technically one of the best in the team. His greatest strength is his direct style of play. He loves to take on his marker and trouble goalkeepers with his powerful shot. Berenguer’s work ethic and never-say-die attitude make him a special player. Alex is a perfect team player who loves to get involved in the team’s attack buildup. Due to his small frame, he is difficult to stop and likes to take on players with his trickery and dribbling. In 18 LaLiga matches he has scored four goals till now.

Keep calm & enjoy Berenguer 😍#OsasunaAthletic #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/cgJqWxn6Py

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) December 23, 2024

Pedri (FC Barcelona)

He is already one of the best midfielders in world football. He combines his game intelligence with his technical ability and helps his team perform well on the pitch. He is difficult to defend against as he makes quick, clever movements to receive and pass the ball. The Spaniard can carry the ball at speed and change direction with great skill, manipulating the ball impressively to keep it away from his opponent. His partnership with Gavi and now Casado is crucial for Barca’s midfield as both are the heartbeat of the Catalan team team. In 19 La Liga games, he has scored four goals and has an average passing accuracy of 89%.

Pedriiiiiiiiiiii 😍 pic.twitter.com/3ISHc64MDC

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 4, 2025

Match Facts

• The winner of their last meeting was FC Barcelona
• The average number of goals in meetings between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona is 2.2
• When FC Barcelona leads 0-1 away from home, they win 76% of their matches

Athletic Club vs FC Barcelona: Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1 – FC Barcelona to win this fixture – 5/6 by bet365
• Tip 2 – Both teams to score
• Tip 3 – Goals scored over 1.5

Injury and Team News

The home team doesn’t have any injury concerns regarding this fixture.

The Blaugarna side has a lot of players out due to injury, Ter Stegen, Ferran Torres, Christensen, Mar Bernal, and Hector Fort are all out due to injuries. Dani Olmo and Pau Victor will not be available due to their registration issues. Lamine Yamal is also doubtful for the match.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 81

Athletic Club: 11

FC Barcelona: 51

Draws: 19

Predicted Lineups

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

Simon (GK); Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Jauregizar, Galarreta; Williams, Berenguer, Nico, Guruzeta

FC Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Pena (GK); Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Raphinha, Gavi, Lopez; Lewandowski

Match Prediction for Athletic Club vs FC Barcelona

Despite the Catalan team struggling in their recent fixtures, they are capable enough to give a tough challenge to the team from Bilbao. The Basque club nearly escaped an upset in their last match and somehow managed to win the fixture in penalties. This fixture will be a mouthwatering clash for sure and fans can expect both teams to play attacking football. Most probably the Catalan side will win this fixture.

Prediction: Athletic Club 2-3 FC Barcelona

Match Telecast for Athletic Club vs FC Barcelona

India: FanCode

UK: TNT Sports

USA: ESPN

Nigeria: TBD

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