A place in the final is up for grabs as Barcelona battle Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup.
The Catalans are aiming to defend their title and come into this clash in imperious form, while the Basque club are looking out of sorts at the moment.
Barcelona were the dominant force in Spain last season, winning all three domestic titles. Hansi Flick's team are attempting a repeat this term and will look to start with a defence of their Super Cup title.
It has been mostly smooth sailing for Barcelona lately, having won their last eight matches in all competitions. The Catalans warmed up for this clash with a 2-0 victory at Espanyol in a La Liga fixture last weekend.
Athletic Bilbao are in the Super Cup semi-final after securing a top-four finish last season. They have a decent record in the competition and won the title back in 2021.
However, the Basque club will come into this clash in poor form, having failed to win their last five matches in all competitions. Ernesto Valverde's men were held to a 1-1 draw at Osasuna in a League clash last weekend.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Barcelona
Barcelona have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 1/2 by William Hill to claim the win. A victory for Athletic Bilbao is valued at 5/1 by bet365, while Ladbrokes are offering odds of 18/5 for a draw.
Head to head: Barcelona almost untouchable
Barcelona have a 42-9 advantage with 13 draws in the last 64 matches against Athletic Bilbao. The Catalans have already beaten their rivals this season, earning a 4-0 home victory in a La Liga clash back in November.
Players to watch: Eyes on Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski has a good scoring record against Athletic Bilbao, with four goals in the last four meetings. The striker was also on target last weekend and could be the one to watch (Robert Lewandowski anytime goalscorer – valued at 4/5 by bet365).
Barcelona have also looked solid at the back lately, keeping clean sheets in their last four matches. Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin have impressed in defence and can lead the Catalans to a repeat (Barcelona clean sheet – priced at 6/4 on bet365).
Probable line-ups:
Andreas Christensen and Gavi remain sidelined for Barcelona and will miss Wednesday's clash. Lewandowski could earn a start after scoring off the bench at Espanyol, while Dani Olmo could also feature.
Unai Egiluz and Benat Diaz remain long-term injury absentees for Athletic Bilbao. Defender Aymeric Laporte could return after missing the clash at the weekend, while Gorka Guruzeta should lead the line once again.
Barcelona: Garcia, Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde, De Jong, Garcia, Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
Athletic Bilbao: Simon, Gorosabel, Vivian, Laporte, Boiro, Rego, Jauregizar, Williams, Sancet, Williams, Guruzeta.
Anything else catch the eye?
Barcelona have won by two or more goals in the last three matches against Athletic Bilbao (Barcelona -1 handicap – set at odds of 11/8 by William Hill). All three fixtures have also ended in a win to nil – offered at 7/4 by bet365.
There have been over 1.5 second-half goals in three of Barcelona's last four matches (Second half over 1.5 goals – available at 3/4 on Ladbrokes).
When one side looks too strong, a handicap bet could even things up. Learn how in our Handicap Betting Masterclass.
GambleAware