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

Barcelona host Athletic Club at the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, 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 table-topping Real Madrid 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 draw level with Madrid.

Barcelona are the league’s highest goalscorers and have yet to drop a point at home this term.

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

Athletic have not been at their best at both ends of the pitch, scoring 12 goals and conceding 13.

The Basque side have recorded just one win on the road this term and have not won in the league at Barcelona in 24 years.

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

Head-to-head

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

Team news

Barca will be without Pedri and Marc-Andre ter Stegen due to injury, while Frenkie de Jong is suspended. Marcus Rashford is doubtful after missing Thursday’s training.

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

Oihan Sancet is doubtful, while 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 winner against Oviedo – 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.