Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions

• Barcelona won their final six home league matches last season
• Athletic lost four of their final seven away La Liga games in 2023-24
• Barcelona have won their last five home league games against the Basque outfit

Olmo ready to make Barca bow

Barcelona should be able to follow up their opening La Liga victory over Valencia at the Mestalla with another three points at home to Athletic Club this weekend.

Robert Lewandowski struck either side of the break to overhaul Valencia’s advantage and earn Hansi Flick a debut success in the dugout. Barca can still look a bit vulnerable at the back, but when they need to step it up then can usually be relied upon.

The likely debut of former La Masia hopeful Dani Olmo here should bolster their attacking potential and further good news to come out of the Valencia win was that Alejandro Balde’s injury fears have been allayed.

Williams may not prevent Athletic tumble

The Blaugrana should be in good shape to take on Ernesto Valverde’s side, who were made to labour in a 1-1 home draw against Getafe.

It was a match they easily could have lost with the visitors striking the woodwork and missing superb one-on-one chance in the second half.

Nico Williams will likely start against Barca, who he turned down in the summer, but even his presence might not be enough to stop the home side from running out winners for a sixth time in succession against their Basque visitors.