Probable Lineups

4-3-3
Barcelona
4-2-3-1
Athletic Bilbao
© WhoScored.com

Probable Lineups Statistical Comparision

(105) 72 Goals 28 (40)
(86) 50 Assists 24 (34)
(7) 7.2 Average Ratings 6.9 (6.7)
27.1 Average Age 25.8
175.9 Average Height (cm) 182.3
(0.9) 1.1 Shots pg 1.1 (0.8)
(48%) 46% Aerial Duel Success 51% (49%)
(1.1) 0.9 Dribbles pg 0.6 (0.7)
(1.4) 1.4 Tackles pg 1.8 (2.2)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in LIGA BBVA.

Missing Players

Player Reason Status Rating
Dani Alves Out 7.09
Alexis Sánchez Out 7.01
Eric Abidal Out 6.55
Marc Muniesa Out N/A
Marc Bartra Out 6.7
Adriano Doubtful 7.13
Isaac Cuenca Doubtful N/A
Player Reason Status Rating
Ruiz de Galarreta Out 6.53
Carlos Gurpegi Out 6.86
Iñigo Pérez Out 6.79
Andoni Iraola Doubtful 6.67

Team News

Barcelona
  • Barcelona's seemingly unstoppable surge towards the title continued last weekend as a second-half masterclass from Andres Iniesta saw them thrash Levante 4-0, whilst Real Madrid slipped 11 points behind their eternal rivals with defeat at Real Betis.
  • Martin Montoya's introduction for the injured Dani Alves also meant that the Catalans played most of that game with 11 players who received at least part of their footballing education at La Masia.
  • Montoya is expected to start in place of the Brazilian again for the visit of Athletic as Alves has been ruled out for two weeks with a muscle strain.
  • Tito Vilanova had the luxury of giving most of his starts a rest in the 3-1 win over Alaves in midweek and they will all return, but David Villa may keep his place after passing the 300 career goals mark with two in that game.
Athletic Bilbao
  • Athletic meanwhile had an unwanted midweek trip to Israel to play their rearranged Europa League dead rubber against Hapoel Kiryat Shmona, but only four senior players made the trip and Marcelo Bielsa is expected to name an entirely different starting XI to face the league leaders.
  • Aritz Aduriz returns from suspension and will take Fernando Llorente's place up front, whilst the only doubt seems to be whether Andoni Iraola will be able to shake off a muscular problem in time to take his place.

Prediction

  • Tito Vilanova's men are continuing to set records with their start to the campaign and it is hard to see an Athletic side that have won just four of 13 league games so far this season derailing that run this weekend.
  • The Catalans are averaging 3.3 goals per game and with their defence tightening up since the return of Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique there isn't such an obvious weakness to exploit as there was in the early weeks of the season.
  • Athletic also crumbled in their last major test on the road at Real Madrid, where they were 3-0 down within half an hour, and Barca have won the last eight league meetings between the two at the Camp Nou.
Prediction:
Barcelona
4
1
Athletic Bilbao
© WhoScored.com

Latest Comments

 
  • SRT

    Official statement is, the goal have scored Messi. That's what LFP and uefa says, and referee also have written it for Messi.

    23 weeks ago
        Report
  • wgscheve

    i would rather them make it an own goal. i dont want messi's record to be tainted in any way. hes going to get the 86 anyway, only 3 more!!!

    24 weeks ago
       -2 Report
  • lafikdadi

    FCB website gave the goal to Messi while Athletic Bilbao says it is an own goal.

    24 weeks ago
        Report
  • Harry79

    True lafikdadi. I hope whoscored change it...

    24 weeks ago
       -2 Report
  • xavihernandez

    About second goal; if the ball goes on target we have goal for Messi, if not it's own goal. I think it's own goal :F

    24 weeks ago
     +1  -1 Report
  • xavihernandez

    Whoa. Barca plays amazing football today.

    24 weeks ago
     +1   Report
  • lafikdadi

    According to Goal.com: Own Goal - Amorebieta; Goal.com did not give the goal to Messi; I thought the same way

    24 weeks ago
       -2 Report
  • Harry79

    I don't think so... It was a shot that wasn't going in, so it's an own goal, is clear.

    24 weeks ago
       -1 Report
  • lafikdadi

    This game is over

    24 weeks ago
     +1   Report
  • lafikdadi

    The goal is given to Messi; I think it was becos it was his effort that the defender was trying to stop but could not; I don't know but I feel that way and so the goal is given to him.

    24 weeks ago
     +2  -1 Report
See all 19 comments

Head to Head Stats

R Team W D L Pts Form
1 Barcelona 29 4 2 91 wwwdww
14 A. Bilbao 11 8 16 41 lldddw

Top Players

Barcelona
Athletic Bilbao
L. Messi 8.85
F. Fábregas 7.4
A. Iniesta 7.4
M. Susaeta 7.18
Ander 7.15
G. Iraizoz 7.03
L. Messi 46
F. Fábregas 10
D. Villa 9
A. Aduriz 14
M. Susaeta 6
Ó. D. Marcos 6
A. Iniesta 15
L. Messi 12
F. Fábregas 11
M. Susaeta 7
I. Gómez 7
A. Aduriz 6

Match Forecast

Barcelona will score from a direct freekick  
Barcelona will control the game in the opposition's half  
Barcelona will score as a result of a through ball  
Barcelona will score as a result of an opposition error  
Barcelona will score a long shot  
Athletic Bilbao will make a comeback if they go behind  
* Match forecast is generated from clashes in team characters.

Related News

Data sources: Data Sources