Verdict: Lamine Yamal over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention back to La Liga action on Saturday night, Barcelona will travel to San Mames when they meet Athletic Bilbao.
Athletic Bilbao
Starting with the hosts, suffering Copa del Rey frustration earlier in the week as they fell to a 2-0 aggregate defeat against arch-rivals Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao will be seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, although Ernesto Valverde’s side might have an almighty battle on their hands in the race to book another lucrative European ticket this season, the former Barcelona boss has seen his squad enjoy an eye-catching La Liga resurge over the past month. Unbeaten in their previous five consecutive top-flight appearances, Bilbao will be bracing themselves for a stern examination when they return to San Mames on Saturday night. However, hit with a 5-0 drumming when they met Barca for a Super Cup showdown in the Middle East on January 7th, they hold a nightmare record against the reigning Spanish champions. In fact, Valverde has lost each of his previous five meetings against his former employers by an aggregate score of 16-1.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
In what is a major blow for Bilbao, attacking talisman and long-term Barcelona target Nico Williams is still dealing with a groin issue. Likewise, still recovering from respective knee injuries, Valverde’s side will also be without both Benat Prados Diaz and academy graduate Unai Egiluz.
Completing an emotional return to the Basque Country last summer, former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte will start at the heart of Bilbao’s defence on Saturday night.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, watching arch-rivals Real Madrid suffer a public slip-up earlier in the week as they slumped to a shock 1-0 loss at home against local foes Getafe, Barcelona are sat in the driving seat to defend their Spanish crown in 2026. Despite watching their respective Copa del Rey adventure come to an end in midweek, Hansi Flick’s side came within touching distance of completing what would have been an iconic comeback in Catalonia. Eventually settling for a 3-0 victory on home soil, the former Bayern Munich boss will be calling on his superstar squad to make another statement here. Last seen in La Liga action cruising their way to a thumping 3-0 win against Villarreal, Barca travel to the Basque County enjoying a real purple patch. Winning five of their previous six La Liga showdowns, Saturday’s guests have also gained a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third.
Barcelona Team News
In what is a real defensive blow for Barca, Flick’s side have confirmed that the duo of Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have sustained hamstring injuries. Likewise, the reigning Spanish champions have confirmed they are set to be without Robert Lewandowski, Andreas Christensen and Spanish midfielder Gavi.
Attacking talisman Lamine Yamal has registered 22 direct goal contributions (13 goals, nine assists) in as many La Liga matchups this season and will spearhead Flick’s charge.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- When Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona last met for a Super Cup showdown over in the Middle East on January 7th, Flick’s side stormed their way to a thumping 5-0 victory.
- In fact, Barca have won all of their previous five meetings against his former employers by an aggregate score of 16-1.
- Bilbao have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous six showdowns at San Mames across all competitions.
- The Lions have failed to record a single clean sheet in front of their own supporters so far this calendar year.
- Barcelona have registered 25 points from their 13 La Liga matchups outside of Catalonia this season.
Conclusion
While Barca might have failed to complete what would have been a sensational Copa del Rey comeback in midweek, Flick’s side will take plenty of positives away from another thumping domestic display. Likewise, storming their way to a dominant 4-1 win against Villarreal last weekend, the reigning Spanish champions will be looking to make another title statement here. Winning all of their last five consecutive meetings against Bilbao by an aggregate score of 16-1, Flick’s free-scoring squad are rightfully installed as a standout contender.
Verdict: Lamine Yamal over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet