Barcelona will be desperate to get into the winning ways when they face the Basque club Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday at 8.00 pm GMT in Camp Nou. Here is our exclusive Barcelona vs Bilbao Match Preview for you.
Overview
The Catalan side faced a halt in their title chase after they drew goalless with Sevilla and Real Madrid secured 2-1 victory against Sociedad. Both the teams are currently in 65 points but Los Blancos stands on the top of the table due to better head to head record. Bilbao on the other hand having a decent La Liga campaign and a win could bring them in for the Europa League qualification fight.
Barcelona’s last match performance against Sevilla was not great. Though they dominated possession they failed to create open chances against Sevilla’s defense. Setien should look into this matter immediately. Or else they will also suffer today against Bilbao. The forward line of Messi Suarez and Griezmann is arguably the best in the league and Barca will heavily rely on them for goals. Inclusion of Martin Braithwaite in the second half can also favor Barcelona as he can capitalize on tiring legs.
For Bilbao Inaki Willams is in a great form and visitors will expect him to fire one or two. But he will need the support from Muniain and Raul Garcia. Defenders like Unai Nunez, Ander Capa have to give their hundred percent to keep Barca forwards silent.
Team News
Our Barcelona vs Bilbao match preview also includes the predicted lineups of both teams.
Barcelona
For Barcelona De Jong Roberto and Dembele haven’t recovered from their previous injuries and are expected to be benched for this match. Arthur Melo can start the match instead of Ivan Rakitic and Griezmann instead of Braithwaite. Setien will likely go for his default 4-3-3 system.
Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-3-3
Ter Stegen, Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Vidal, Busquets, Arthur, Messi , Suarez, Griezmann
Athletic Bilbao
Bilbao will also miss Ibai Gomez, Extebarria, for injury issues. Berchiche will also remain sidelined due to the accumulation of yellow cards. Balenziaga can start in-lb instead of him. The rest of the side remains unchanged. Garitano can go for a 4-2-3-1 system.
Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Simon, Capa, Nunez, Martinez, Balenziaga, Dani Garcia, Unai Lopez, Williams, Muniain, Cordoba, Raul Garcia
Current Form and Records
Barcelona’s current form – L, W, W, W, D
Bilbao’s current form – L, W, D, D, W
Head to Head
Barcelona wins- 18
Bilbao wins- 5
Draw- 7
Players to watch
Barcelona
- Lionel Messi
- Luis Suarez
- Antoine Griezmann
- Arthur
Athletic Bilbao
- Ander Capa
- Iker Muniain
- Inaki Williams
What is your opinion on the Barcelona vs Bilbao Match Preview? Who do you think will win this fixture? Let us know in the comment section below.
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