On August 24, 2024, at 17:00 local time, Barcelona will stage Athletic Bilbao in the second round of the La Liga season. Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona will host the game, which will be the home ground for Barcelona while the Camp Nou gets renovations. Referee Gil Manzano will officiate the game, which adds to the great stakes of this early-season meeting between two historic rivals in Spanish football.
Barcelona comes into this game driven following a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Valencia in their opening game, where Robert Lewandowski was instrumental. Conversely, Athletic Bilbao draws 1-1 against Getafe; hence, they will be trying to get better from that outcome. This game looks to be an exciting experience in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues since both teams want a great start in the league.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
Examining both teams’ recent performance and their head-to-head record will help one to completely grasp what to expect from the forthcoming game. Barcelona’s recent performance under new manager Hansi Flick and Athletic’s aspirations to challenge for a top-four finish help to shape the Barcelona against Athletic prediction today. Furthermore, the result of this game will depend much on the performance of important players like Robert Lewansky and Iñaki Williams. Given both teams have high season goals, the stakes are great.
The last one was received 4 minutes ago
Barcelona Recent Results
Barcelona’s recent form has shown a mix of results, but they managed to secure a win in their first La Liga match of the season. Below is a summary of their last five matches across all competitions:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
17.08.2024 | La Liga | Valencia vs Barcelona | 1-2 | W |
12.08.2024 | Friendly | Barcelona vs Monaco | 0-3 | L |
06.08.2024 | Friendly | Barcelona vs AC Milan | 2-3 | L |
03.08.2024 | Friendly | Barcelona vs Real Madrid | 2-1 | W |
30.07.2024 | Friendly | Manchester City vs Barcelona | 2-3 | W |
Barcelona’s form has been somewhat inconsistent, particularly in their friendly matches. However, their La Liga opener suggests that they are ready to perform when it counts. The team has shown resilience, particularly in their ability to come from behind against Valencia, which could be a critical factor in their upcoming games.
Athletic Bilbao Recent Results
Athletic Bilbao’s recent performances have been mixed, with their La Liga opener ending in a draw. Below is a summary of their last five matches:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
15.08.2024 | La Liga | Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe | 1-1 | D |
10.08.2024 | Friendly | Stuttgart vs Athletic Bilbao | 4-0 | L |
07.08.2024 | Friendly | Aston Villa vs Athletic Bilbao | 3-2 | L |
03.08.2024 | Friendly | Athletic Bilbao vs Osasuna | 2-1 | W |
01.08.2024 | Friendly | Athletic Bilbao vs Eibar | 1-0 | W |
Athletic Bilbao has had a challenging pre-season, with some heavy defeats, but they managed to secure a draw in their La Liga opener. This mixed form suggests that while they can be resilient, there are areas of their game that need improvement, particularly in defense.
Head-to-Head: Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao
The last five meetings between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao have been closely contested, with Barcelona generally having the upper hand. Below is a summary of their most recent encounters:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
03.03.2024 | La Liga | Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona | 0-0 |
24.01.2024 | Copa del Rey | Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona | 4-2 |
22.10.2023 | La Liga | Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao | 1-0 |
12.03.2023 | La Liga | Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona | 0-1 |
23.10.2022 | La Liga | Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao | 4-0 |
The history between these two teams shows that while Barcelona has generally dominated, Athletic Bilbao has had moments of success, particularly in cup competitions. The most recent La Liga matches have been tight, indicating that this upcoming fixture could be similarly close.
Barcelona Probable Lineup
For the upcoming match against Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona is expected to field a strong lineup despite some injuries to key players. Here is the probable starting eleven that could take the field:
Ter Stegen (GK), Kounde (DF), Cubarsi (DF), I Martinez (DF), Balde (DF), Bernal (MF), Casado (MF), Yamal (FW), Pedri (MF), Raphinha (FW), Lewandowski (FW).
Athletic Bilbao Probable Lineup
Athletic Bilbao, aiming to secure a strong result on the road, will likely rely on their key players to challenge Barcelona. Here is the expected lineup for Athletic Bilbao:
Padilla (GK), Gorosabel (DF), Yeray (DF), Vivian (DF), Yuri (DF), Prados (MF), Vesga (MF), I Williams (FW), Sancet (AMF), N Williams (FW), Guruzeta (FW).
INJURED AND QUESTIONABLE PLAYERS
Injuries will cause some key players to be absent from both teams, so affecting their performance in this pivotal game. The players confirmed to be absent are listed below together with those who seem dubious and might miss the game.
WILL NOT PLAY | Position | Injury |
Barcelona: | ||
de Jong F. | CM | Ankle Injury |
Gavi | CM | Knee Injury |
Athletic Bilbao: | ||
Paredes A. | CB | Muscle Injury |
Ruiz de Galarreta I. | CM | Calf Injury |
Serrano N. | FW | Thigh Injury |
Simon U. | GK | Wrist Injury |
QUESTIONABLE | Position | Injury |
Barcelona: | ||
Fati A. | LW | Leg Injury |
Athletic Bilbao: | ||
Agirrezabala J. | GK | Back Injury |
Key Points to Consider
When analyzing this match, several key factors need to be taken into account. Below is a list of the critical points that could influence the outcome:
- Barcelona’s home advantage at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys;
- The impact of Robert Lewandowski’s form under Hansi Flick;
- Athletic Bilbao’s recent struggles in defense, as seen in their pre-season results;
- The potential return of Nico Williams to Athletic’s starting lineup;
- Injuries to key players on both sides, including Barcelona’s Ansu Fati and Frenkie de Jong;
- The historic dominance of Barcelona in home matches against Athletic Bilbao;
- Athletic’s need to secure results in big games to challenge for a top-four finish;
- Barcelona’s busy schedule and the possibility of squad rotation.
The last one was received 4 minutes ago
Free Tips on Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao
Examining the forthcoming game between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao should consider several important elements that could affect the result. Examining past experiences, current form, and other important components helps you to create more accurate forecasts. Together with team meetings and current conditions, these are some free advice based on statistics and data from past events.
- Head-to-Head Advantage: Historically, Barcelona has dominated Athletic Bilbao in home matches, with an unbeaten streak at home against the Basque side since 2001. This trend could continue, giving Barcelona a psychological edge in this fixture.
- Team Form and Confidence: Barcelona comes into this match on the back of a five-match winning streak in La Liga, which includes a victory in their season opener. This momentum is crucial as teams in good form often maintain high levels of confidence and performance.
- Injuries and Squad Depth: Barcelona will be missing several key players due to injury, including Ansu Fati and Frenkie de Jong. On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao may capitalize on the absence of these key players to exploit weaknesses, especially in the midfield.
- Home vs. Away Performance: Barcelona’s home advantage at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys cannot be underestimated, even though it’s not their traditional home ground. Conversely, Athletic Bilbao’s away form has been inconsistent, which could impact their performance in this match.
- Player Form and Impact: Robert Lewandowski’s current goal-scoring form under Hansi Flick will be a key factor. His ability to convert chances could be the difference-maker, especially if Athletic’s defense struggles to contain him.
$ 0.00
$ 0.00
Match Prediction: Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao
Given the modern form of both teams and their head-to-history, this game most certainly results in a Barcelona triumph. Particularly at home, the Catalan giants have a great record against Athletic Bilbao and have shown tenacity in their opening game. Even with players like Iñaki Williams in their ranks, Athletic has the potential to cause an upheaval; Barcelona’s depth and quality should see them through.
With Lewandowski’s attacking threat and Hansi Flick’s tactical sense, Barcelona’s odds against Athletic Bilbao point to the home side; hence, a victory for Barcelona seems most likely. Athletic Bilbao’s recent match performance, however, points to a closely fought contest based on score.
Our Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
Match Result | Barcelona to Win | 1.62 |
Total Goals | Under 2.5 Goals | 2.11 |
Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.73 |
Bet on the match – Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao at bc.game to enjoy the thrill of the game and maximize your potential winnings!