Barcelona find themselves in second place in La Liga heading into a Tuesday night clash with Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou.
The Lions have been a bogey team for Barcelona this season claiming two 1-0 wins against them already. Athletic Bilbao won at San Mames in the league 1-0 before duplicating the result in the Copa del Rey.
In fact, Barcelona have not defeated Athletic Bilbao in their last four games in all competitions. In spite of failing to win against the Lions, Barcelona are unbeaten since the Primera resumed.
Barcelona have won twice and drawn once in their last three matches. However, it was last weekend’s nil-nil draw against Sevilla that reinforced the truth about the Blaugrana’s inability to defeat top teams when Lionel Messi is off form.
Quique Setien does have injury issues heading into the game as midfielder Frankie de Jong is listed as doubtful for the clash due to a calf strain. Full-back Sergi Roberto is also listed as doubtful due to his own injury.
Ousmane Dembele is ruled out of the game through injury and Sergio Busquets will miss due to a suspension. Setien’s team are ageing and the young players signed in the transfer market have not improved the side.
If Barcelona can overcome their rivals and win the league again, it will be a major coup for the manager.
Athletic Bilbao have just one player missing as Yuri Berchiche will serve a suspension. Other than his absence, manager Gaizka Garitano has a full squad to choose from when the teams clash at Camp Nou.
The last six games between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao saw under 2.5 goals scored. Each match was a tight affair with little between them. Barcelona have been night and day different at home this season compared to playing away.
The Blaugrana have posted a 14W-1D-0L record at home picking up 43 points from 45 available. They average over 3.1 goals per game and should be able to get goals against Athletic Bilbao this time around.
Athletic Bilbao have won just twice on their travels. While they have been difficult to beat at San Mames, the road has been long and lonely. They average just 1.1 goals per game away from home and Tuesday night’s match should be a struggle for them.
Expect Messi and company to get back to winning ways against Athletic Bilbao. Right now, goal difference has Barcelona in second place and it could be goal difference that decides the title. They should come out all guns blazing and pick up a victory with over 2.5 goals scored.