Barcelona take on Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou this weekend, with the hosts having gone their first 28 matches in La Liga unbeaten. Ernesto Valverde’s side sit eight points clear at the top of the table as a result, with another success on Sunday consolidating such a position. However, with Bilbao having performed well last time out, it could well be closer than many expect in Barcelona.
Spanish La Liga – Camp Nou, Barcelona – Sunday 18th March – 15:15 UK Time
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Match Preview
After making it safely through to the next stage of the Champions League following a win over Chelsea in midweek, Barcelona will look to extend their unbeaten record in La Liga when they take on Athletic Bilbao on Sunday afternoon. Valverde’s side are closing in on the La Liga title, however Athletic Bilbao will be looking to spoil the party when they make the trip to Barcelona this weekend. For those still unsure of who to back ahead of kick-off, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Barcelona Team News & Form
The home side have dropped just two points in their last five La Liga matches, with their 2-0 away win over Malaga last time out consolidating their strong position at the top of the standings. Lionel Messi was rested for that match, however the Argentine star was on the scoresheet twice against Chelsea in the Champions League. Messi is likely to line-up alongside Luis Suarez, while Philippe Coutinho will be hoping to return to the starting eleven too. The hosts have scored a massive 72 goals from just 28 matches to date, conceding 13 in the process.
Athletic Bilbao Team News & Form
Athletic Bilbao recorded a comfortable home win over Leganes last time around, a result which lifted them to 12th in the La Liga standings. However, manager Jose Angel Ziganda is still a man under pressure following what has been a largely disappointing campaign. The likes of Inaki Williams, Aritz Aduriz and midfielder Benat are among the most talented players for the visitors, who have scored just 29 goals so far this season.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Head to Head
The two teams have met 41 times in the past, with Barcelona having won 28 of such meetings, as well as recording nine draws. In fact, Barcelona have won the last eight meetings between the two teams in La Liga, including a 2-0 success away from home earlier in the season.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their standing in the La Liga table and their status as the home team, it comes as little surprise that it is Barcelona who are the firm favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The home side can be backed at odds of 1/6 at Ladbrokes, while those looking to bet on an away win for Athletic Bilbao can take advantage of 14/1 odds from the same bookmaker.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on Barcelona scoring over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes this weekend, which is available at odds of 4/5 with Coral.