Verdict: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Marking their return from November’s international break this weekend, Barcelona will welcome Athletic Bilbao to Catalonia on Saturday afternoon.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, making real history last season as they got their hands on a 28th domestic crown, Barcelona have their sights firmly set on retaining their La Liga title this time around. Last seen heading into November’s international break with an action-packed 4-2 victory away at Celta Vigo, Hansi Flick’s men should also be excited by a return to Catalonia this weekend. Getting November underway with a 3-1 against against La Liga newcomers Elche, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his superstar squad gain a reputation for their extended success on home soil. Along with winning their previous three consecutive showdowns in Catalonia by an aggregate score of 11-3, Barca have also won six of their first seven matchups in front of their own supporters across all competitions. Getting this weekend’s fixtures underway sat three points adrift of arch-rivals Real Madrid, Flick’s camp will be looking to make another statement here.
Barcelona Team News
Shown a late red card away at Celta Vigo prior to November’s international break, Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong will serve a one-match suspension here. Likewise, dealing with a long-term knee injury, academy graduate Gavi faces another lengthy stint on the sidelines and will play no part for the foreseeable future.
However, in what could prove to be a huge boost for Flick’s side on Saturday afternoon, Brazilian international Raphinha could make a first appearance since the end of September. Making a real impact after completing a season-long loan switch from Manchester United, Marcus Rashford will feature in the final third.
Athletic Bilbao
As for the visitors, while Athletic Bilbao might have entered November’s international break with a much-welcomed 1-0 victory at home against Real Oviedo, the Lions have struggled to find any real stability so far this season. Getting November underway with a dramatic 3-2 loss at the hands of arch-rivals Real Sociedad, Ernesto Valverde’s men have lost three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Likewise, losing three of their first four Champions League showdowns, the one-time Barcelona boss should also be concerned by his side’s extended issues outside of the Basque Country. Including a 2-0 loss away at Premier League outfit Newcastle earlier in the month, Bilbao have registered just one-point from any of their last six showdowns away from San Mames across all competitions.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
Shown what was a costly second-half booking against Real Oviedo prior to November’s fortnight interval, Inigo Ruiz Galarreta will serve a one-match suspension this weekend. Not featuring over the past month and still dealing with an adductor issue, Athletic Bilbao are once again expected to be without skipper Inaki Williams.
Returning to the Basque Country over the summer after completing a permanent switch from Saudi outfit Al-Nassr, former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte will start at the back. Featuring for Spain over the past fortnight, Unai Simon will start between the sticks in Catalonia.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Key Factors to Consider
When Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao last met back on May 25th, the reigning Spanish champions claimed a 3-0 victory in the Basque Country.
In fact, Barca have won their previous three meetings against Saturday’s guests by an aggregate score of 7-1.
Flick’s side have won six of their first seven showdowns in Catalonia across all competitions this season.
Athletic Bilbao have registered just one-point from any of their previous seven away fixtures across all competitions.
Barcelona have registered 32 goals in their first 12 La Liga appearances this season.
Conclusion
Looking to reclaim their spot at the top of the La Liga table on Saturday afternoon, Barcelona will be confident of making a title statement here. Winning their previous three La Liga showdown in Catalonia by an aggregate score of 11-3, the reigning Spanish champions will be hoping to make a statement this weekend. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, Barca will also meet an Athletic Bilbao squad who have continued to show some glaring issues on the road.
Verdict: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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