Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona: Will Barcelona extend their winning streak?
As part of round 27 of the Spanish La Liga, we are set for a showdown between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona. The match will take place on Saturday, March 7, kicking off at 21:00 CET, and I suggest a bet for this encounter.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona: match facts and head-to-head
- Athletic Bilbao have not won their last two matches: one draw and one defeat.
- Barcelona have won their last three matches.
- Barcelona have scored in four consecutive matches.
- Athletic Bilbao have failed to keep a clean sheet in 16 consecutive matches.
- Barcelona have lost their last two away games.
- Barcelona boast the best attack in La Liga with 71 goals scored.
- Barcelona have won 33% of their matches this season with a clean sheet, while Athletic have done so in 13%.
- In 54% of their matches this season, Barcelona have scored in both halves.
- Barcelona have lost only two matches this season without scoring.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona: match preview
Athletic Bilbao enjoyed an incredible season last year, but the current campaign has not been as successful. The team currently sit ninth in the standings with 35 points after 26 rounds. They will be fighting for a top-six finish and a place in European competitions next season. In their previous league outing, Bilbao played out a 1–1 draw with Rayo Vallecano, and in midweek they suffered a 0–1 defeat to Real Sociedad. They are five points behind sixth place and 16 points off fourth.
Barcelona currently lead the La Liga standings. The team sit in first place with 64 points after 26 rounds. They are only one point ahead of Real Madrid, but the Catalans have a game in hand and could therefore extend their advantage over second place. The team have won their last three matches. However, in their most recent game they defeated Atletico 3–0 but failed to reach the Copa del Rey final after losing 0–4 away from home. Athletic have also been knocked out of the cup, so the mood in both camps is similar.
Probable line-ups
- Athletic Bilbao: Simon; Vivian, Paredes, Laporte, Boiro; Rego, Ruiz de Galarreta; I Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta
- Barcelona: J Garcia; Cancelo, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Martin; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; F Torres
Prediction
Barcelona have not been as consistent this season as they were in the previous campaign. I believe they will manage to beat Bilbao in this match, and that is the bet I suggest.
