Hansi Flick’s Barcelona takes on Athletic Bilbao on the 24th of August in what is undoubtedly going to be the most interesting La Liga game this week.
The hosts will not only have the home-field advantage on their side, but coach Flick’s boys’ confidence is undoubtedly flying off the charts after that beautiful come-from-behind 1-2 win at Mestalla last week.
Barcelona sure have a tight schedule after just facing the Bats in the opening La Liga fixture and now having to go up against hard-to-crack Basques. However, Athletic Bilbao are showing signs of weakness recently and we do believe the Catalan giants could get the right result at home.
How the bookies view it: No trouble for Flick
Barcelona come into the game as the expected winners, with odds priced at 13/20. Coach Flick’s era began properly with a 2-1 win over Valencia last week, which is probably why the bookies view Athletic Bilbao as the underdogs.
The visitors’ odds are valued at 41/10, which means the bookmakers don’t think Nico Williams and his colleagues have what it takes to take on Barcelona.
Recent head-to-head: Barcelona dominates Athletic
The home team’s players may have the upper hand when it comes to head-to-heads, as they won three of the last five direct games, but coach Flick shouldn’t underestimate the Basques. Athletic Bilbao didn’t lose either one of the last two direct games and will be looking to continue on the right track.
Players to watch: Legendary striker under the spotlight
Robert Lewandowski’s ‘poor’ 2023/24 season included 19 goals and eight assists in 35 La Liga games. The Polish striker is now 36 years old but promised even more goals in the new campaign with Barcelona.
With the likes of Lamine Yamal on the wing, Lewandowski sure seems to have a good chance of finding the net on the 24th of August. Lewa was the big hero for coach Flick in his debut La Liga match. After all, he scored a brace for his new manager and proved that despite his age, he still has what it takes to perform at a top level for the Catalan club.
With a market value of €120m, Lamal also deserves recognition. He had a terrific run in the Euro 2024 and is rightfully considered as one of the best players in Europe right now.
Predicted line-ups
Despite the 2-1 win over the Bats, Barcelona did show signs of weakness at the back. It’s largely due to Ronald Araujo’s injury status, but the Uruguayan defender is expected to make a return in October. Therefore, Flick must find solutions quickly.
Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, won’t be able to count on a few key players as well. Coach Ernesto Valverde is deprived of Alvaro Djalo’s services, which means the left wing is definitely problematic, considering Nico Serrano’s injury as well.
Barcelona: ter Stegen – Cubarsi, Kounde, Martinez, Balde – Casado, Bernal, Raphinha – Lamal, Torres & Lewandowski
Athletic Bilbao: Padilla – Gorosabel, Alvarez, Paredes, Berchiche – Prados, Vesga, Sanchet – Williams, Berenguer &Guruzeta
Anything else catch the eye?
The clubs’ opening La Liga fixtures had goals galore after 90 minutes of play. BTTS on the 24th of August has been priced at 67/100, which means we will likely get to see Padilla and ter Stegen concede this week.
After checking out the Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao predictions below, should also take a look at the dedicated betting previews section for the latest betting suggestions.
This La Liga match between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao will be played on Aug 24, 2024 and kick off at 18:00. Check below for our tipsters best Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
