Read our prediction for Ath Bilbao vs Barcelona below. This preview was written by a sport journalist who is specialised in betting tips and predictions. Use our betting tips for the match between Ath Bilbao vs Barcelona and you can increase your winnings!
Ath Bilbao vs Barcelona Prediction & Betting tips
Finally there is clarity! Just over a week before the start of the season, the dispute was resolved by a court ruling – Monday matches are in the Spanish Football House of Lords now no longer. As a result, many games had to be rescheduled. A decision that many football fans would also like in Germany!
The Friday games are still allowed and so is the season opener this weekend, nothing in the way. At San Mames Stadium, there is a duel between Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona!
In contrast to the German Bundesliga, the champion does not necessarily open the new season with a game in front of his home crowd. The start of the season with the traditional Basques is certainly not easy for the Valverde team. The Basques are traditionally considered home strong.
Nevertheless, the guests are obviously treated as the clear favorite and in the match between Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona, a forecast on Messi & Co. in the first moment obvious. But are the offered odds actually recommended? We will examine this question in the following lines. The game starts on Friday at 20 pm.
Athletic Bilbao:
The Basques are one of the founding members of the Spanish league and have never relegated. While this is not necessarily a surprise for teams like FC Barcelona or Real Madrid, the Basque’s rating is all the higher, as only players from their own region are allowed to play in the squad. This philosophy, coupled with the existing success, is absolutely unique and all the more amazing in times of globalization.
Although the Basque country has almost 2.2 million inhabitants, the pool is nevertheless extremely small for potential players. Youth work is accordingly capitalized. The Basques have to see for themselves that they train their players to be able to throw them into the cold water at the highest level.
The relegation battle is rarely the home of Athletic Bilbao, but the team can always orientate towards the top third. In the past season, the successful qualification for the Europa League was missed only gossamer. In the final statement, the Basques were eighth.
There are only a few changes in the squad due to their own club philosophy. In this transfer summer, even the entire tribe could be held together. Some youngsters have been awarded, replacement goalkeeper Alex Remiro is now under contract with the Basque competitors from San Sebastian. Gaizka Garitano has a well-rehearsed team available, which is certainly not a disadvantage.
Before home, Athletic Bilbao had a strong 9-8-2 record last year, with only home games against Villarreal and the derby against Real Sociedad de San Sebastian lost. Since October 5 of last year, Bilbao is at home without defeat. This is also one of the reasons why on Friday between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona surprisingly high odds are offered on a victory of the guests.
Barcelona:
While the basks of the transfer summer was extremely quiet, this was extremely turbulent in Catalonia. The commitment of top talent Frenkie de Jong could bring the club responsible early in dry shawls. His buddy Mathijs de Ligt could not convince Barcelona. But the farce to Antoine Griezmann had come to an end and finally he still switched to the Catalans.
His own staged video and contract renewal from last year is forgotten. The transfer dispute is not quite over yet, because allegedly there should be an incriminating e-mail, which proves that Barcelona and Griezmann have already negotiated too early. Instead of 120 million euros, Atletico Madrid now beats on 200 million euros as a transfer. The last word has not been spoken yet.
Not spoken is the last word also with Neymar, because the sensational return of the Brazilian is still an issue. An offensive with Messi, Neymar, Suarez and Griezmann would definitely be the best that the football world has ever seen.
Last season, many Barcelona fans had wished that Ernesto Valverde would not go into his third year as Barcelona head coach. The way of playing was simply not spectacular enough for many fans. Resulting football has been seen more often and in addition, own talents in recent years have no chance to get more. The once towering La Masia school only plays a minor role.
The preparation was absolutely convincing. Especially the recent success against the SSC Naples was impressive. Even without Lionel Messi, the Catalans were brilliant and did not leave the Italian top club with the slightest chance. Defensive Barcelona was sure offensively there was nothing to complain about, especially in the second round. Although the Basques are extremely strong at home, with this performance in the match between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona a tip on the visitors is definitely recommended.
Ath Bilbao vs Barcelona head to head matches
10.02.19 LL Ath Bilbao Barcelona 0 : 0
29.09.18 LL Barcelona Ath Bilbao 1 : 1
18.03.18 LL Barcelona Ath Bilbao 2 : 0
28.10.17 LL Ath Bilbao Barcelona 0 : 2
04.02.17 LL Barcelona Ath Bilbao 3 : 0