Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona: Match Preview and Prediction

Barcelona will travel to San Mames Barria to face Athletic Bilbao to play their second game of La Liga on Saturday. 

La Liga Preview: Match Details

Teams: Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona
Date: 21 August 2021
Location: San Mames Barria
Timing: 10 pm (CET) 

An inspired Barcelona will play their first away game of this season and will be brimmed with confidence after dispatching Real Sociedad 4-2 in their season opener in a post-Messi era, who joined PSG in a shocking move. 

Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao had to settle for a draw over Elche and will be hellbent to win their second game when they face off Barcelona. 

Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona: Head-to-Head  

In their last five head-to-head games, Barcelona has attained four wins and lost one. The last time both the teams shared the pitch was in Copa del Rey where Barcelona scored four past Athletic to secure the trophy which was Messi’s last trophy in Barcelona’s t-shirt. 

Barcelona form guide: W-W-L-W-W

Athletic form guide:  W-L-W-D-D

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao: Predicted XI

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Alvarez, Martinez, Balenziaga; Berenguer, D Garcia, Vencedor, Muniain; Sancet, Williams

Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Neto; Dest, Pique, E Garcia, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, De Jong; Braithwaite, Memphis, Griezmann

Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona: Prediction

Barcelona coach Koeman is a man on a mission to lead Barcelona to La Liga and UCL glory this season without their talisman Lionel Messi. The players have now more freedom to express themselves in every position and should fully utilize this opportunity. 

Athletic Bilbao will be facing a different Barcelona and should be prepared when they play them on Saturday night. 

This will be a tough prediction. However, Sportco predicts Barcelona will conquer this game 2-0.