Barcelona return to the Spotify Camp Nou on Thursday night when they host Athletic Club as Hansi Flick’s side look to build on an emphatic start to their LaLiga title defence.
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The champions opened their campaign with a 5-0 victory away to Elche, with Raphinha and Fermín Lopez both scoring twice. Athletic endured a far more difficult start, losing 3-1 at home to Sevilla after Yuri Berchiche was sent off early in the first half.
Betting Preview
Barcelona could hardly have produced a more convincing performance in their first league game of the season.
Flick’s side dismantled Elche 5-0 despite several of their internationals not starting. They generated nine big chances and an expected goals figure of 4.38, while allowing their opponents just 0.70 xG.
Raphinha was particularly impressive. With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres no longer at the club, the Brazilian started through the middle and responded with two goals and an assist.
Fermín also scored twice, while Barcelona’s attacking options have been strengthened further by summer arrivals including Anthony Gordon.
There could also be a debut on Thursday. Rodri has trained with the first team this week and could receive his first Barcelona minutes from the bench. Frenkie de Jong remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a knee ligament injury.
Athletic’s opening performance offered considerably less encouragement.
Edin Terzic’s first league match in charge ended in a 3-1 home defeat to Sevilla, although the result was heavily influenced by Berchiche’s 11th-minute red card.
The defender is consequently suspended for the trip to Barcelona, while Athletic also have several injury concerns. Benat Prados and Dani Vivian are confirmed absentees, with Unai Egiluz also unavailable and Andoni Gorosabel and Maroan Sannadi carrying fitness problems.
Recent history makes Athletic’s task even more difficult.
Barcelona won both league meetings last season, beating Athletic 4-0 at home and 1-0 away, while they have won five consecutive meetings without conceding.
Athletic’s league record at the Camp Nou is particularly poor. They have gone 15 LaLiga visits without winning at Barcelona, while another source places their last league victory there all the way back in 2001.
Barcelona are consequently priced around 1.30 for the victory, compared with 5.95 for the draw and 8.65 for an Athletic upset.
The home win looks difficult to oppose, although the short odds mean there could be more value in backing Barcelona on the handicap.
Recent Form & Stats
- Barcelona’s opening result: The champions started their title defence with a dominant 5-0 away victory over Elche.
- Athletic’s opening result: Terzic’s side suffered a 3-1 home defeat against Sevilla after playing most of the match with 10 men.
- Head-to-head: Barcelona have won the last five meetings between the teams without conceding.
- Last season: Barcelona won 4-0 at home before recording a 1-0 victory at San Mamés.
- Camp Nou dominance: Athletic have failed to win on their last 15 LaLiga visits to Barcelona.
- Athletic’s recent form: The Basque club have lost four of their last five competitive league matches stretching back to the end of last season.
Best Bets & Prediction
Prediction: Barcelona to win at 1.30.
Best Bet: Barcelona -1 handicap at 1.79.
Alternative Bet: Over 2.5 total goals at 1.44.
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