Barcelona vs Athletic Club Preview: Talking Tactics, Predicted Lineups, Team News & Streaming Sites

Barcelona are aiming to extend their winning run to three games in all competitions, as they take on Athletic Club on Sunday. The Catalans are coming on the back of a positive result against Napoli that saw them advance through to the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League. The focus will now shift to La Liga, with Xavi Hernandez and his men hoping to retain their place inside the top four.

Athletic Club, though, are not a team to be taken lightly and have the pedigree to perform against big clubs. The club from Basque are outside the top six right now, but they are coming on the back of a strong 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad, so the confidence level might be high as they look to claim vital points this weekend.

Barcelona vs Athletic Club Preview

Talking Tactics

Barcelona

Barcelona should persist with their 4-3-3 setup that offers an excellent balance between defence and attack. It also offers seamless transition in the final third which often becomes critical when probing the opposition. The fullbacks should continue to play a vital role in providing width, while the wingers should operate centrally, forming a free-flowing front three.

Athletic Club

Athletic Club boss Marcelino, meanwhile, favours a 4-4-2 setup, with two banks of four protecting Unai Simon in goal. Defensive rigidity will be the top priority for the visitors, especially against the Barcelona side that has netted eight goals in the last two competitive matches. Athletic, though, do boast significant firepower going forward, with their attack being led by Inaki Williams.

Team News

Barcelona

Dani Alves is back into contention at right-back after missing the last couple of matches due to suspension. His timely return could help Xavi replace Jordi Alba, who is unavailable against Athletic Club due to suspension. Sergino Dest is expected to replace the Spaniard at left-back, whereas the likes of Samuel Umtiti, Ansu Fati and Sergi Roberto remain unavailable as well.

Athletic Club

Marcelino is set to miss out on Inaki Williams’ brother Nico Williams while Alex Berenguer should miss the game due to suspension. Yeray Alvarez is likely to miss out as well, which may serve as a major blow for the away side.

Predicted Lineups

Barcelona: ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Araujo, Dest; Pedri, Busquets, Nico; Dembele, Aubameyang, Gavi

Athletic Club: Simon; De Marcos, Martinez, Alvarez, Berchiche; Zarraga, Vesga, D Garcia, Muniain; I Williams, Sancet

Prediction

Barcelona 1-0 Athletic Club

Streaming Sites