Barcelona will look to increase their lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday night when they visit Bilbao to face Athletic Club.
Barca are back in form following victories over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey and Valencia in league action. Athletic have struggled in recent weeks, sitting ninth, and have only beaten Barca in one of their last 18 La Liga games.
Here’s what you need to know ahead on Sunday night’s fixture.
Athletic Club vs Barcelona H2H Results (Last Five Games)
Current Form (Last Five Games)
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Country |
Television Channel/Live Stream |
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United Kingdom |
Viaplay Sports 1, Viaplay UK, LaLigaTV |
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United States |
ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
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Canada |
TSN+, TSN3 |
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Athletic Club team news
Goalkeeper Unai Simon has an Achilles tendon injury so Julen Agirrezabala will continue to deputise between the sticks. Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera and winger Jon Morcillo are ruled out with Achilles and collarbone injuries respectively.
Bilbao’s top league goalscorer Oihan Sancet, who has eight strikes, was sent off late on in the goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano and is suspended here.
The Williams brothers, Nico and Inaki, may both be deployed in attack after that toothless display against Vallecano.
Athletic Club predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Lekue; Zarraga, Vesga; Berenguer, Muniain, N. Williams; I. Williams.
Barcelona team news
Striker Robert Lewandowski has been struggling with a thigh problem but is set to make his return at San Mames, having not played since the defeat at Almeria.
Ronald Araujo’s red card against Valencia means he’s suspended here. Eric Garcia could come into central defence to partner Andreas Christensen, who recently shook off a knock.
Midfielder Pedri is still sidelined with a thigh injury and Ousmane Dembele won’t be available either due to a muscle problem.
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Garcia, Christensen, Balde; Gavi, Busquets, De Jong; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Torres.
Barcelona have managed to bounce back from defeats to Manchester United and Almeria with 1-0 victories over Real Madrid and Valencia. Xavi himself has bemoaned the tough way in which his side have ground out results but it may be a similar story on Sunday.
Athletic could still make a late charge for the Europa League places but three games without a win has left them down in ninth and facing the league leaders will be difficult without Sancet, their top scorer.
Real Madrid could have cut the gap on Barca by the time this game goes ahead but the visitors should secure a slender victory to preserve or even increase their lead at the top of the La Liga table.
Prediction: Athletic Club 1-2 Barcelona
Credit: 90min.com
