Match Preview: Barcelona vs Bilbao for La Liga 2024/25 Round 2 at 5:00 PM on August 24. Nowsport analyzes team news, expected lineups, odds, and score predictions.
Watch Barcelona vs Bilbao Live Streaming At: Zonesport.live
Analysis of Barca vs Bilbao Form
Barcelona had a strong start to the La Liga season. In the first official match under new coach Hansi Flick, the Catalan team defeated Valencia 2-1 in the opening round of La Liga 2024/25. At Mestalla, striker Robert Lewandowski shone with a double.
This victory marked Barcelona’s fifth consecutive win in La Liga. This impressive form should give Flick’s team confidence as they host Bilbao this weekend. It’s important to note that Barcelona enjoys a strong home advantage. Statistically, they have won all 5 of their recent La Liga matches against Bilbao at home, with 4 of those matches ending with Bilbao failing to score.
Bilbao has been struggling lately. They have not won in their last 3 matches, including a 1-1 draw at home against Getafe in their La Liga opener. Several factors contribute to Bilbao’s current struggles, including injury crises and the distraction of star player Nico Williams, who is reportedly interested in joining Barcelona.
Bilbao’s away form is particularly poor. They have lost 4 of their last 5 away games, with their last 2 away matches each seeing them concede 3 or more goals. This suggests significant defensive issues, presenting an opportunity for Barcelona to exploit.
In summary, the upcoming match at the Olimpic is likely to be a mismatch in terms of quality. Barcelona is expected to continue their tradition of defeating Bilbao at home.
Latest Team News: Barca vs Bilbao
Barcelona will be missing Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo, and Ansu Fati due to injuries. Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has also left the team to return to Manchester City. New signing Daniel Olmo is unlikely to be registered in time for this match.
Bilbao is dealing with a crisis due to injuries, with Aitor Paredes, Alvaro Djalo, Ruiz de Galarreta, Nico Serrano, Julen Agirrezabala, and Unai Simon all unavailable.
Expected Lineups: Barca vs Bilbao
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Christensen; Yamal, Pedri, Victor; Lewandowski
Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Padilla; Yuri, Lekue, Yeray, Gorosabel; Vesga, Prados; I.Williams, Sancet, N.Williams; Guruzeta
Odds for Barca vs Bilbao
Over 1 goal in the first half: 5/7 of the recent encounters between the two teams had at least 1 goal in the first half. Additionally, 14/15 of Barcelona’s recent matches and 7/8 of Bilbao’s recent games have had at least 1 goal in the first half.
Odd number of total goals: 5/7 of Barcelona’s recent matches ended with an odd number of total goals. Similarly, 7/9 of Bilbao’s recent games also had an odd number of goals.
Under 4 corners in the first half: Barcelona’s last 4 matches have had a maximum of 4 corners in the first half. Bilbao’s last 5 matches also had no more than 4 corners. This trend has been observed in 6 recent encounters between the two teams.
Football Expert Prediction for Barca vs Bilbao
Former player Gary Neville (Sky Sports commentator): “Barcelona is highly likely to win this match. The Catalan team always performs well when hosting Bilbao at home.”
Key Statistics for Barca vs Bilbao
Barcelona has not lost at home to Bilbao in their last 30 encounters, winning 24 of those matches.
Nowsport Prediction for Barca vs Bilbao
Barcelona is likely to take advantage of their home ground to defeat Bilbao by 3 goals. The match is also expected to feature under 4 corners in the first half.
Prediction: 3-0
Leave a Reply