Barcelona vs Athletic Club: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, key players | OneFootball

Barcelona host Athletic Club on Saturday afternoon at the Spotify Camp Nou, aiming for a third consecutive LaLiga victory.

The defending champions won 4-2 at Celta Vigo in their last league outing, reducing the gap on league leaders Real Madrid, who drew at Rayo Vallecano, to three points.

Athletic also beat newly promoted Real Oviedo 1-0 last time out, ending their two-match winless streak.

Match preview

This is a historic fixture for Barcelona, as it marks their first game at the newly revamped Camp Nou.

Manager Hansi Flick will hope that emotions do not affect his players, as a victory will help them equal Madrid’s points tally.

Barcelona are the league’s highest goalscorers and have yet to drop a point at home this term – a run they will hope to continue on their new patch.

They are still struggling defensively, with the opposition taking advantage of their high defensive line.

Athletic, meanwhile, have not been at their best at both ends of the pitch, contributing to their poor start to the season. They have scored 12 goals and conceded 13.

The Basque side have just one win on the road this term and have not tasted a league victory at Barcelona in 24 years, further making this a daunting fixture.

Ernesto Valverde’s side need a superb display to escape defeat against the reigning champions.

Head-to-head

Barcelona have met Athletic 244 times, winning 124 times, losing 80 and drawing 40.

Team news

Barcelona will be without Pedri and goalkeeper Andre Ter Stegen due to injury, while Frenkie de Jong is suspended. Marcus Rashford is doubtful after missing Thursday’s training.

For the visitors, Inaki Williams, Maroan Sannadi and Unai Eguiluz remain sidelined, while Benat Prados is ruled out until the end of the season.

Oihan Sancet is also doubtful and Yeray Alvarez will miss this clash due to suspension.

Key players

Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski: Scored a hat-trick against Celta Vigo, becoming the third oldest player to do so in the league.

Lamine Yamal: He has chipped in with eight goal involvements, the joint-highest for Flick’s side.

Athletic

Nico Williams: He scored the only goal versus Oviedo, marking his first league goal since August.

Alex Berenguer: The midfielder leads the team in big chances created and key passes per game.

Stats from sofascore.com & transfer market.com