Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 14/08/2019, 13:34  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 14/08/2019 at 14:34 in LaLiga Predictions

Barcelona begin their attempt to win La Liga for the third successive season. That's a feat that hasn't been achieved since Barcelona themselves did it eight years ago.  Last season saw them win the title by 11 points and they finished 34 ahead of their opponents in this game. The summer has seen them spending millions in the transfer market with players such as Antoine Griezmann and Frankie de Jong joining them. Winning the Champions League has to be a key target this season. They have won their last four friendlies including two wins over Napoli and Arsenal. Away from home, Barcelona won 11 times in La Liga last season. They last lost an away league game to Athletic Bilbao six years ago and haven't conceded against them in the last four away games against them.

Athletic Bilbao had a season to remember last term. They went on a long run without a win and were in the relegation zone. Then the results improved dramatically and they looked like qualifying for the Europa League. They blew it though earning just four points from their last four games and lost out to Espanyol. Preseason saw them win four, draw three and lose one over 90 minutes. They are undefeated in their last 14 home La Liga games and that includes a goalless draw with Barcelona. Since then their opponents have strengthened their squad and the tip is for the champions to begin the season with an away win.