Barcelona vs Athletic Club Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | LaLiga 2024-25

Barcelona opened their new season under Hansi Flick with a win against Valencia.

FC Barcelona might not have had an impressive start to their LaLiga 2023-24 campaign, but they managed to secure full points when they faced Valencia CF away from home. Now, Hansi Flick’s next challenge in the Spanish top tier awaits as they take on rivals Athletic Club Bilbao at home.

Ernesto Valverde managed Athletic Club Bilbao shared spoils with Getafe in the campaign opener. The side are not in good form and are struggling with several injured players. Despite all these hindrances, they will surely look to shock their rivals, but a draw should also be a favourable result for the team.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, 24 August at 06:00 PM UK

Saturday, 24 August at 10:30 PM IST

Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys

Form

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

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

Players to Watch:

Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona)

Lewandowski was one of the few players who impressed in his side’s not-so-bright win against Valencia. The Polish star struck a brace to overcome early setbacks in the first game. He will need to perform similar responsibilities in this game.

FC Barcelona’s midfield still appears a bit dull, so chances of a good number of chance creations are minimal. Lewandowski should be careful with the opportunities he will receive, otherwise the side will suffer.

Leg day, all day, every day. pic.twitter.com/Ii5IaSF46Z

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 22, 2024

Nico Williams (Athletic Club)

Among all the big names set to feature in this clash, Nico Williams will be the talk of the town. FC Barcelona were reportedly desperate to sign him following his heroics and unimaginable partnership with Lamine Yamal in Euro 2024. The deal didn’t materialise and Williams decided to stay at Bilbao.

Now, all eyes will be on him. His superb runs and gifted skills might haunt the Barca defence. A goal from him would make things more sensational. However, it won’t be easy.

Match Facts:

• FCB last lost a home game against Athletic Club in November 2001.
• Athletic Club have won only one of the last 21 games with FC Barcelona.
• FCB have scored in every home game against Athletic Club in the last 39 instances.

FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: FC Barcelona to win this game- 13/20 – via Dafabet
• Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals – 79/100 – via 1XBet
• Tip 3: Both teams to score – 37/50 – via 1XBet

Injury & Team News

FC Barcelona will continue to miss some of their key players like their star defender Ronald Araujo, impactful midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, and also the key forward Ansu Fati. Hansi Flick however has some options to fill these spots.

Visitors Athletic Club Bilbao are having a much longer list of injuries. Unai Simon, Julen Agirrezabala, Oscar de Marcos, Alvaro Djalo, and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta are the confirmed absentees from this fixture while Nico Serrano’s availability is doubtful too.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 60

FC Barcelona wins – 38

Athletic Club wins – 9

Draws – 13

Predicted Lineup

FC Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Ter Stegen (GK); Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Alex Balde; Marc Bernal, Marc Casado; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ferran Torres; Lewandowski

Athletic Club predicted lineup (4-4-1-1):

Alex Padilla (GK) ; Andoni Gorosabel, Yeray, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche; Benat Prados, Mikel Vesga; Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams; Gorka Guruzeta

Match Prediction for FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club

Hansi Flick’s side are expected to comfortably win this game, with a stronger squad and a massive home advantage. The previous results also favour the hosts. However, Athletic Club are expected to put up a strong fight and not give up easily in this rivalry.

Prediction: FC Barcelona 3-2 Athletic Club

Telecast for FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club

India: GXR World website

UK: LaLigaTV, Premier Sports and ITV 

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: SuperSport

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