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Given the context, this is sure to be an absorbing and potentially explosive clash.
The Basque outfit have been unhappy with Barcelona's courting of Nico Williams in recent seasons, although rumours of an impending transfer have now died down following the winger's decision to extend his contract in the summer.
On the pitch, both teams' desire to attack at every opportunity should lead to plenty of goalmouth action.
Check out our predictions for this keenly anticipated match below.
Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona – Predictions
Match Goals Range: 2-4 (Yes): 4/7 (bet365)
Lamine Yamal to score or assist: 8/15 (bet365)
Teams Goals Range: Athletic Bilbao 2-3 (No): 4/11 (bet365)
Odds valid at the time of publication and may change.
More than one goal and fewer than five in the match
Although still not quite performing at least season's level, Athletic Bilbao have shown signs of major improvement in recent weeks. Nevertheless, the Lions have been fairly consistent on home soil throughout the campaign, accumulating 23 points (W7 D2, L4) and averaging over a goal per game at the San Mamés.
Barcelona have been in scintillating form this term, with their 30 goals in 13 away fixtures helping them to become LaLiga's overall top scorers. Nine of Barça's ten most recent away outings have produced between two and four goals, while the same could be said of each of Bilbao's last four home league contests. This goals range also settled the last three league meetings between these two teams, so don't be surprised if the pattern continues on Saturday night.
Prediction: Match Goals Range: 2-4 (Yes): 4/7 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if there is more than one goal but fewer than five goals in the match, regardless of the final result.
Lamine Yamal is back to his imperious best
Following his hat-trick against Villarreal, Lamine Yamal stated that he was once again enjoying his football. The teenage sensation has claimed either a goal or an assist in 10 of this last 12 appearances across all competitions, and put in another strong attacking performance in Barcelona's epic Copa del Rey clash with Atlético Madrid on Tuesday night. Lamal has also registered a direct goal contribution in three of the last five times he's faced Bilbao, so he'll be confident of making another decisive impact at the San Mamés.
Prediction: Lamine Yamal to score or assist: 8/15 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Lamine Yamal either scores or assists (or both!) during the match.
Athletic Bilbao not to score two or three goals
Although their improving with every passing week, Bilbao's recent goal record in this fixture suggests they may struggle to take a share of the spoils on Saturday night. The 2024 Copa del Rey winners haven't scored against Barcelona in any of their last four meetings, while the Catalans are looking to extend their record of two consecutive clean sheets at the San Mamés.
Given their attacking capabilities, the hosts are likely to get on the scoresheet. However, they haven't managed to net two or more goals in home league meetings with Barça since 2021, while Nico Williams' current absence will undoubtedly hinder their efforts in the final third.
It's worth noting that Bilbao haven't scored exactly two or three goals in three of their last four home games across all competitions, falling short of this range against Real Sociedad on two occasions (LaLiga and Copa del Rey) and netting four times in a convincing victory over Levante.
Prediction: Teams Goals Range: Athletic Bilbao 2-3 (No): 4/11 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Athletic Bilbao do NOT score exactly two or three goals. Therefore, if the hosts fail to score, find the net once, or score more than four goals, this bet will be successful.
Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona: Match Result odds
Odds valid at the time of publication and may change.
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Odds valid at the time of publication and may change.