Barcelona are winless in their last three trips to San Mames to play Athletic Bilbao in all competitions. Last season, Barcelona went to San Mames twice in league and cup fixtures, and both times, lost 1-0.
Now, Ronald Koeman takes his team to the Basque Country once more seeking a second straight win in La Liga. Barcelona head into the game fresh off of a 1-0 win over Huesca at the weekend.
Athletic Bilbao are also coming off of a victory. The Lions defeated Elche 1-0. Despite winning, the club sacked manager Gaizka Garitano after the match. Former Valencia manager Marcelino has taken Garitano’s place and will put an emphasis on player fitness going forward.
Athletic Bilbao have taken 15 points from 24 on offer at home this season. They have outscored their opponents 11-5 at San Mames.
Barcelona’s road form has been good, but not spectacular. They have won back-to-back away fixtures, improving their points total to 10 from 21 possible on the road. Barcelona have outscored opponents 9-5 away from Camp Nou.
Koeman does have injury issues going into the match on Wednesday night. Although Lionel Messi returned against Huesca and tallied an assist, the manager is without Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho.
Defenders Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto are both doubts to play as well. Koeman is also without Carles Alena and Matheus Fernandes.
Marcelino could be without Unai Lopez Cabrera and Yeray Alvarez for the fixture. Peru Nolaskoain could finally return to the squad for the fixture.
Barcelona are 10 points off of league leaders Athletico Madrid going into the midweek match. Although a title fight looks unlikely at this point, Atletico Madrid have two games in hand, Barcelona can reach the top four with a midweek win.
The Blaugrana are unbeaten in six straight La Liga matches. However, their unimpressive win away to Huesca could carry over into the match a San Mames. Barcelona are winless in three straight matches against Athletic Bilbao away.
The Lions have posted a zero-goal difference in 17 matches this season in La Liga. They have scored 19 times while conceding 19.
Athletic Bilbao’s unbeaten streak at home versus Barcelona should come to an end this week. Marcelino has not had the time to get his tactics in place. The manager is more than tactics and will need time to get the player fitness plan organised as well.
Barcelona should come away from the Basque Country with a victory. Like at the weekend versus Huesca, Barcelona should win to nil as Athletic Bilbao draw blanks at home.
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