Athletic Club vs Barcelona Prediction, Lineups, Preview and Team News | Supercopa de Espana, January 8, 2025

Athletic Club vs Barcelona Preview

• Competition: Supercopa de Espana.
• Date: Wednesday, January 8.
• Time: 7:00 PM GMT.
• Venue: King Abdullah Sports City.

Athletic Club vs Barcelona will be the first semi-final of this year’s Supercopa de Espana and will take place at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on January 8.

The hosts will enter this game on the back of a great run of form. They are unbeaten across competitions since losing to Girona in the first week of October, going 15 games without defeat since then. Their last five games have yielded four wins and a draw as they continue to go from strength to strength this season. Having won 4-3 on penalties against Logrones in the Copa del Rey last time out, they will look to perform better.

Barcelona, on the other hand, will enter the next match on the back of a mixed run of form recently. They have won two of their last five matches across competitions, securing one draw and also losing two games in the process. Having started the season in stunning fashion, they have faltered in recent weeks and will look to get back to winning ways. They smashed Union Deportiva Barbastro 4-0 in Copa del Rey last time and will look to build upon that performance.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.

Athletic Club Team News

Manager Ernesto Valverde went with a full-strength lineup in his team’s last match in La Liga as they secured a 2-1 win away from home. However, they will have one lingering concern from that match as Oihan Sancet picked up a knock and is doubtful. He will join Ander Herrera on the list of doubtful players for the upcoming games.

Barcelona Team News

Manager Hansi Flick fielded a strong lineup as his team fell to a heart-breaking 2-1 defeat against Atletico last time out. The team came out of that match unscathed in terms of injuries and suspensions, with all the same players available. However, they will be without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Lamine Yamal and Marc Bernal for the long-term.

Predicted Lineups

Athletic Club Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Unai Simon.

Defenders: Andoni Gorosabel, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche.

Midfielders: Mikel Jauregizar, Inigo Ruiz de Galaretta, Alex Berenguer.

Forwards: Inaki Williams (C), Nico Williams, Gorka Guruzeta.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Inaki Pena.

Defenders: Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde.

Midfielders: Marc Casado, Pedri, Gavi.

Forwards: Raphinha (C), Fermin Lopez, Robert Lewandowski.

Athletic Club vs Barcelona Head-to-Head Record

These two teams have faced each other with great regularity in the last few years, and across multiple competitions including LaLiga, Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana. Barcelona lead the recent head-to-head record, having won three of the last five meetings. The Athletic Club have won one, and there has been one draw as well.

Key Players to Watch

Inaki Williams (Athletic Club)

The club captain has been in great form for his team so far this season, contributing nine goals towards their cause. This includes four goals and five assists as Williams has been crucial to the team’s performances in the final third, and they will rely on him once again in the next match.

Raphinha (Barcelona)

Barcelona’s stand-in captain, Raphinha has been sensational in the first half of the ongoing season. He has amassed 17 contributions so far, breaking down to 11 goals and six assists as he has led the team impeccably well. He will look to perform at the same level in upcoming matches.

Athletic Club vs Barcelona Prediction

Going by the recent head-to-head between the two teams, Barcelona will have a slight edge entering this match. However, Athletic Club won the only knockout match between these two last year in the Copa del Rey, and will look to repeat the achievement.

Prediction: Athletic Club 1-2 Barcelona

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