Barcelona set to edge stubborn Athletic Bilbao at San Mames
Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona - 12/03/2023
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Barcelona will resume their La Liga title charge when they do battle with Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on Sunday evening.
With 24 games in the books, Barcelona are sitting pretty at the summit of the La Liga table – nine points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.
As for Athletic Bilbao, they find themselves ninth – 11 points outside the Champions League places and 29 points shy of Barcelona.
It’s fair to say that Athletic Bilbao have endured an inconsistent season up to now, recording nine wins, six draws and nine losses in La Liga.
Bilbao have also struggled for consistency in the league of late, winning just two of their last 10 La Liga outings while losing five of their previous eight.
Worse still, Bilbao head into Sunday’s clash on a four-game winless run across all competitions, having recorded one draw and three losses since their last victory.
Having failed to score in three of their past four matches, Bilbao look destined to struggle against the strongest defence in La Liga.
Indeed, Barcelona have conceded a measly eight goals in 24 league matches this season, scoring a whopping 46 goals in the process.
It is also worth noting that Barca have suffered just two defeats in La Liga this term, picking up 20 wins and two draws along the way.
Xavi’s side claimed a 1-0 victory over Valencia last time out, meaning they have won eight of their last nine league matches.
On top of that, Barcelona have won 13 of their previous 15 La Liga, so they will be confident of overcoming an inconsistent Bilbao side
Head-to-head: Barcelona have claimed three 4-0 wins against Bilbao since 2021, with back-to-back thrashing handed to the San Mames outfit last year.
To make matters worse for Bilbao, they have failed to win any of their last nine meetings with Barca, suffering six defeats in that time.
Team news: Oihan Sancet is suspended for Athletic Bilbao, while Jon Morcillo, Unai Simon and Ander Herrera are injured.
Barcelona will be without the suspended Ronald Araujo on Sunday, as well as the injured trio of Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele.
Athletic Bilbao are expected to put up a decent fight at San Manes. However, Barcelona have more than enough firepower to come out on top.
Forebet predicts that both teams will score on Sunday, with Barcelona outscoring Athletic Bilbao to claim all three points.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
Es1
192259
2
1 - 2
2.66
21°
2.20
3.40
3.20
2.20
no
no
no
0 - 1(0 - 1)
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