Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction: Hosts’ Motivation Increases

Barcelona, ​​Todaysgist.com – Barcelona will host Athletic Bilbao in the second week of the 2024-2025 Spanish League at the Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys on Sunday (25/8/2024) early morning WIB. The Blaugranas will appear with double motivation.

Blue Grana started the new season with a 2-1 win over Valencia last week. Of course, Hansi Flick’s team wants to maintain this. Another motivation is that Barcelona wants to show that the failure to recruit Nico Wiliiams is not something to be mourned.

As we know, Barcelona is indeed intending to recruit Bilbao’s attacking midfielder in this summer’s transfer market. Bilbao’s asking price of 58 million euros makes The Cules retreat.

Williams, who came off the bench against Getafe, is expected to return starter. The presence of this Spanish player is expected to have a positive impact as shown when playing at EURO 2024.

Barcelona have a good record against Bilbao. In the last five meetings, Pedri and his colleagues have recorded three wins and only one defeat. That single defeat was suffered in the 2023-24 season.

From the statistics, it looks like Barcelona is better. So, Barca is predicted to win the match later. Although Bilbao is expected to provide fierce resistance, Barcelona has the advantage in player quality and home game record.

On the other hand, Bilbao have shown improvement by achieving positive results in their last two meetings against Barca. However, Ernesto Valverde’s team failed to win in the opening match. The Lions only managed to get one point because they were only able to draw 1-1 against Getafe.

In further misfortune, Bilbao are missing key players such as Djalo, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Unai Simon. Aitor Paredes is also doubtful due to a muscle problem.

This condition makes Valverde have to rack his brains to get a positive result at Barca’s home. Bilbao will rely on Williams to be able to provide a threat to the hosts. Moreover, the Catalan giant is considered very fragile at the back. Williams’ presence is clearly a dangerous signal for the hosts.

Hansi Flick certainly has anticipated the defense that is his team’s weakness. Especially with Williams who has fast movements. Barcelona must work extra hard to be able to continue its positive trend.

Predicted Barcelona vs Bilbao line-ups:

Barcelona: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski

Bilbao: Alex Padilla, Yuri Berchiche, Dani Vivian, Yeray Alvarez, Andoni Gorosabel, Benat Prados, Mikel Vesga, Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, Gorka Guruzeta