Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Predictions

• Barcelona have covered a -1 handicap in their last four meetings with Bilbao
• Bilbao have won just two of their last seven home games
• Barca score on average 2.7 goals per-game in La Liga

Barca can brush aside Bilbao again

Barcelona were eliminated from the Copa del Rey in midweek despite a 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid but they can keep their La Liga charge on track with a comfortable win at Athletic Bilbao.

This will be the third meeting between these sides this season and so far this rivalry has been incredibly one sided. Barca crushed Bilbao 4-0 in the reverse fixture and went one better on neutral territory in the Supercopa de Espana.

Bilbao also come into this game in mixed form with two defeats in their last five games and three losses in their last six at home. In contrast, Barca have put together a three-game winning streak after defeats to Atleti and Catalan rivals Griona, and they look capable of covering a -1 handicap on Saturday.

With home advantage, Bilbao may be able to keep this meeting a little closer than the two previous meetings this term and a 3-0 away win is the pick. Barca score on average just under three goals per-game, and they’ve scored exactly three goals in three of their last six games.

Barcelona youngster Marc Bernal has hit some form for the visitors as he scored twice in the win over Atletico Madrid to take his tally to four goals in his last five games. If he does retain his starting spot, he stands out as an outside contender for an anytime effort.