La Liga
Barcelona vs Athletic Club Preview
After a disastrous midweek match against Leganés, Barcelona looks to bounce back at home against Athletic Club.
Fortunately for the Catalan side, Athletic has been far from successful this season after stumbling against Villarreal at home 0-3.
Additionally, with both sides looking for a much needed and desired win, the matchup makes up for fun event at Camp Nou.
Nevertheless, this matchup is key for Barcelona as it will be start of a difficult week for the Catalan side that will meet Tottenham midweek and Valencia next weekend.
Team News
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde will be without Samuel Umtiti, Malcon, Denis Suarez, Sergi Samper and Carles Aleñá.
On the other side, Athletic boss Eduardo Berizzo will be without Íñigo Lekue.
Official Lineups
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Arthur, Rakitic, Coutinho; Messi, Suárez, Dembélé
Athletic: Simón; De Marcos, Yeray, Martínez, Yuri; Beñat, Iturraspe; Susaeta, García, Muniain; Williams
Prediction
Barcelona will have to play with their strongest lineup despite midweek action. Rejecting to do this and putting more rotations will not benefit the Catalan side. Also, Berizzo’s side is hungry for a stunner against the Blaugranas. Additionally, the defensive side sees Clément Lenglet return to the lineup after his suspension and for Umtiti who is still injured. Lastly, if Barcelona plans on winning this matchup, they will have to show resiliency. Also, they have to be able to get up after falling, and falling hard.
In conclusion, Barcelona has the upper-hand playing at home. However, the Bilbaense side will not be an easy one. Despite this, Barcelona has a better squad and should obtain a hard fought win.
Prediction: Barcelona 2 – 1 Athletic
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Photo credit to Eloisa Ozonas via Flickr
