Match Previews

Barcelona vs Athletic Club match preview: Possible lineups, team news, match facts, prediction

Published

5 years ago

26/02/2022

Date and time: 27th February, 9 PM CET
Venue: Camp Nou
Competition: La Liga
Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez

Overview

After a long time, Barcelona ride on a wave of momentum. The last three weeks days have brought fantastic results to the side, with three dominant wins and two draws helping the team go from strength to strength.

The Catalans’ display against Napoli was especially encouraging in the sense that it did away with the European curse tagged to them. Xavi’s side put four goals past the Serie A side in an away game, displaying to the world that the pieces are coming together for the manager.

Barcelona are level on points with Atletico Madrid at the moment with a game in hand. Sunday’s game is an opportunity to get within touching distance of third-placed Real Betis and extend their lead over Simeone’s side.

However, the obstacle in their way is Atheltic Club, a team that beat Barcelona just over a month ago.

What to expect from Barcelona?

Since his arrival, Xavi’s man-management has been impeccable. The Spaniard is a strong advocate of constant rotation irrespective of a player’s importance or form.

Given that the team played three high-intensity games in less than ten days, one could expect changes in the setup. The opposition demands that Xavi starts his best possible XI, but given that they have to play six games in three weeks, we can predict some changes.

In goal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen will likely retain his place. The German gave away a penalty through an unnecessary challenge at the Diego Maradona Stadium, giving the opponents a slight foot back into the game midweek.

In central defence, Gerard Pique will probably start alongside Ronald Araujo. The duo put up a fighting display midweek with no errors. With the loss against Athletic last month still fresh in their memory, they will look to put up a stronger resistance.

Dani Alves returns to action after serving his two-game ban. The Brazilian effectively missed Barcelona’s last four games because he was not registered to play in the Europa League. On the left-wing, Sergino Dest will, in all likelihood, complete the defensive line with Jordi Alba suspended.

Sergio Busquets will not be benched for such a crucial tie and gets the nod in defensive midfield. Frenkie de Jong could, however, be rested after playing several matches in a row. In his place, Nico Gonzalez is expected to start. Pedri enjoyed stellar outings against Napoli and Valencia and will look to build on his success.

Xavi praised Ferran Torres as the player who impressed him the most out of the winter signings but will likely be rested tomorrow. He looked fatigued against Napoli and will be replaced by Gavi on the left-wing.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele will probably complete this lineup on the night, starting centrally and on the right, respectively.

Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Alves, Araujo, Pique, Dest; Pedri, Busquets, Nico; Dembele, Aubameyang, Gavi

What to expect from Athletic Club?

Marcelino’s side are no strangers to momentum themselves. At the moment, the Basque side have won five of their last seven games, with their only defeat coming against Mallorca.

Not many changes are expected in the lineup after thrashing Real Sociedad 4-0. Unai Simon will probably start in goal with a central defence pairing of Daniel Vivian and Inigo Martinez holding the fort.

Keeping everything in check. (Photo via Getty Images)

Oscar de Marcos will start at right-back while Yuri Berchiche is expected to take over duties on the other side.

The double-pivot on the night will likely be manned by a combination of Dani Garcia and Mikel Vesga. The latter went off injured in the team’s last game but has made it into the squad for the clash against Barcelona.

Iker Muniain was Athletic’s best player against Sociedad with a goal, an assist and seven key passes. It is also easy to remember the wonder goal he scored against Barcelona last month to open the scoring on the night. The captain will start as the left midfielder on the night, with Alex Berenguer getting the nod on the right.

In attack, the combination of Inaki Williams and Oihan Sancet is expected to be a thorn in Barcelona’s foot. Inaki bagged a goal last weekend, while Sancet came off the bench to get a goal and assist.

Predicted Athletic Club XI: Simon; de Marcos, Vivian, Martinez, Berchiche; Berenguer, Garcia, Vesga, Muniain; I. Williams, Sancet

Marquee player

Iker Muniain

Munian has been one of the best players in La Liga this season, boasting of devastating creative numbers. He averages three chances created per game and has racked up seven assists across the domestic campaign – second only to Karim Benzema and Oscar Trejo.

The Spaniard was lethal against Barcelona when the two sides last met, scoring the opener in the second minute and then the winner in the 105th minute. He also created five chances in the game while winning five set-pieces.

Match Facts

Barcelona previous games: WWDDW

Athletic Club previous games: WLDWW

Head-to-head record

Athletic Club 3-2 Barcelona | Copa del Rey 2021-22
Athletic Club 1-1 Barcelona | La Liga 2021-22
Athletic Club 0-4 Barcelona | Copa del Rey 2020/21 final
Barcelona 2-1 Athletic Club | La Liga 2020-21
Barcelona 2-3 Athletic Club | Spanish Super Cup 2021 final

Key Stats

Barcelona have not lost in their last six games.
Athletic Club have conceded at least one goal in their last seven meetings with the Catalans.
Both teams have scored in the last five meeting against one another.
Barcelona have not kept a clean sheet in their last five matches.
Barcelona’s last defeat at Camp Nou against Athletic Club came in 2001.

Prediction

Barcelona are now far superior to the team that faced Athletic Club last month in the cup. They are now rejuvenated by new signings and replenished in terms of confidence. In front of goal, Xavi’s men have cracked the code and are clinical in utilising their chances. Though Bilbao will pose a strong challenge, expect Barcelona to take their revenge.

Barça Universal prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Athletic Club

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