Competition: Spanish La Liga 2016-17
Date: Saturday, 4th February, 15:15 GMT
Stadium: Camp Nou.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Preview
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Barcelona has been winless in two of their last four outings to settle in the second spot of the league standings, four points behind current league leaders and arch-rivals Real Madrid. The team is tied on points with Sevilla but has the superior goal differential.
The Blaugrana was held to a 1-1 draw by lowly team Real Betis in their most recent La Liga fixture last Sunday on the road at the Benito Villamarín Stadium, as per The Guardian.
Head coach Luis Enrique’s side could not penetrate the defense of the Béticos all throughout the match despite the presence of arguably the best attacking trio in football right now, Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar.
It was Betis who broke the game’s deadlock in the 75th minute with a close-range strike by Spanish forward Alex Alegria following a corner kick.
However, Barça was still able to fend off what would have been a third loss this term as Suárez found the equalizer right at the stroke of full-time after directing Messi’s through ball past Antonio Adan.
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao nipped bottom three squad Sporting Gijon, 2-1, at their home ground of San Mamés Stadium also last Sunday, Football España reported.
Sporting netted the opening goal of the match with a penalty kick by Croatian forward Duje Cop in the 27th minute, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage at the half.
Head coach Ernesto Valverde’s side was able to come back in the second half, though, scoring two goals to take away the win and three points in the standings.
Iker Muniain and Aritz Aduriz provided the goals for Los Leones in the 50th and 71st minutes.
Prediction and Predicted Lineup
Barcelona starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): ter Stegen; Vidal, Pique, Mathieu, Digne; Suárez, Rakitic, Turan; Messi, Suárez, Neymar
Athletic Bilbao starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Iraizoz; de Marcos, Boveda, Laporte, Balenziaga; Benat, San Jose; Muniain, Garcia, Lekue; Aduriz
The predicted result is a bounce back 3-1 romp by Barcelona.
