Barcelona returns from the international break with 3 quickfire home games in a week, all of which are must wins. Following the unappealing draw at Granada, Xavi's men know they should be better than they are now, regardless of the mounting injuries. Having won 6 and drawn 3, they remain the only unbeaten team in Spain, which is a big positive. But they currently sit at 3rd in the standings, which is not so positive. As a warm up to the games against Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid, the Blaugrana will lock horns with a Basque team known for their intensity and physicality.
Athletic Club have done decently so far and currently sit at 5th in the standings, having won 5, drawn 2 and lost 2. Their worst defeat so far will probably be the thrashing they received at Real Sociedad, but they did well to recover from that by giving Almeria the same 3-0 scoreline before the break. They are known to give Barcelona problems on their best day, especially in cup matches. Their league form against the catalans however, could leave them downtrodden ahead of this game.
INTERESTING STATS
- In the last 65 outings between Barcelona and Athletic Club, the home team have won 42 times, while the visitors only have ten wins.
- The Catalan giants are unbeaten in their last seven outings against the visitors in the league.
- Barcelona have picked up 55 points in their last 19 home games against Athletic Club.
-The visitors have only kept a clean sheet on three out of their last 51 games against Xavi’s team.
- The home team have won their last three outings against Athletic Club.
Last five meetings
12/03/23 (LIGA) Athletic 0-1 Barça
23/10/22 (LIGA) Barça 4-0 Athletic
27/02/22 (LIGA) Barça 4-0 Athletic
20/01/22 (COPA DEL REY) Athletic 3-2 Barça
21/08/21 (LIGA): Athletic 1-1 Barça
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona
Just like October last year, Barcelona's infirmary is filled up with crucial players. Robert Lewandowski, Jules Koundé, Sergi Roberto, Pedri, Frenkie DeJong, and Raphinha are all unavailable for this, even though the latter 3 are itching closer and closer to a return. Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde both endured knocks on international duty, but are fit enough to be included in the squad list.
Marc Andre TerStegen is expected to continue in goal. Jules Koundé's Injury and Ronald Araujo's schedule has opened the door to Iñigo Martinez at central defense, against his former club. He's got a good chance to start this one alongside Andreas Christensen. João Cancelo didn't get rested by Portugal and it's highly doubtful he'll be rested for this. Balde might get that, which means Alonso might start.
IIkay Gündoğan also had a busy international break and will likely be rested for this one. Gavi, Fermin Lopez and Oriol Romeu may form the midfield behind João Felix and Ferran Torres. It's unsure if Yamal is fit enough to start.
Forward Marc Guiu, right back Hector Font and midfielder Unai Hernandez are set to be called up for this match.
Athletic Club
The visitors will be without the services of Yeray Alvarez, Mikel Vesga, Peru Nolaskoain and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta for this fixture. Nico Williams sustained a knock on international duty and is in a race against time to make the starting XI.
Ernesto Valverde is expected to go ahead with the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Unai Simon will be in goal. Oscar de Marcos and Yuri Berchiche will be the full-backs for this fixture. In the heart of the defence, Aitor Paredes will pair up with Dani Vivian.
Ander Herrera, Dani Garcia and Iker Muniain will form the midfield, while Gorka Guruzeta will lead the attack, supported by Iñaki Williams and Oihan Sancet.
When and where does Barcelona vs Athletic Club kick-off?
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Stadium: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
Date: Sunday 22 October
Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera
Barcelona remain in terrific form this season and are yet to taste defeat. Real Madrid dropping points at the Sanchez Pizjuan should boost their morale even further. That being said, the basques are ruthless in transition and cannot be taken for granted. Despite the injuries, Barcelona's quality is enough for them to take all 3 points from this fixture.