Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona odds and best bets: Props and predictions for March 12
The Narrative
With the final El Clasico of the season next weekend, can Barcelona take one step closer to the title with a win against bogey team Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night.
Initial thoughts
In their hunt to be crowned Spanish champions for the first time since 2019, Barcelona will line up against ex-manager Ernesto Valverde and 9th placed Athletic Athletic Bilbao - a team that’s caused them plenty of problems in recent meetings.
The Basque Country has been a tricky destination for Barca in recent years, with the Catalan giants failing to come away with a win on five of their last visits to the San Mamés stadium.
But Athletic are now struggling after a strong start to the season that saw them challenging for a top four spot. Valverde’s side have seen a significant drop off in form since the World Cup break, with only two wins in their last ten outings in the league.
Nuts and bolts
Xavi’s team are killing it in the league this season, having amassed a nine point lead at the top of the table and suffering only two defeats all campaign.
On 46 goals they’ve outscored every other team in the league except Real, and on 8 goals conceded their defence is far away the best in La Liga.
Eight of their nine league games since this year have ended in victory, and heading into Sunday’s match Barca will welcome back leading goal scorer Robert Lewandowski from injury.
Midfield maestro Gavi will also be available after suspension, making it tough to see how Xavi’s side won't come away with a win on the weekend.
Homestand picks
All odds courtesy of NorthStar Bets
It ended 1-1 last time Barca traveled to the San Mamés stadium. But Xavi’s side are much stronger than last season and have enough momentum to get the job done on Sunday.
Robert Lewandowski anytime goal (+130)
With 14 goals for the season and La Liga’s top scorer, expect the returning Lewandowski to add to his tally.
Only two of Barca’s last ten matches have seen three goals or more, so take the Under at 2.5 goals.
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