Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona
LaLiga 2018-19
Venue: San Mames
Date: Sunday. 10 February, 2019
Kick-off time: 7:45pm
After all the excitement of a midweek Clasico, Barcelona turn their focus back to the grind of league duty this weekend as the leaders travel to face Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.
While their place in a sixth consecutive Copa del Rey final hangs in the balance after Malcom's impressive equaliser in a 1-1 semi-final first-leg draw against Real Madrid, Ernesto Valverde's side currently boast a six-point lead over nearest challengers Atletico at the summit of LaLiga.
Barcelona found themselves trailing 2-0 after just 32 minutes at home to Valencia last weekend before Lionel Messi's brace rescued a point. Atleti's 1-0 defeat at Real Betis meant they missed the chance to narrow the gap to just three points with 16 matches still to play.
Opponents Athletic currently sit 12th after a disappointing loss to rivals Real Sociedad in the Basque Derby at Anoeta.
Barcelona team news and predicted line-up
Messi came off the bench to play 27 minutes against Real after suffering a thigh injury in the draw with Valencia and Valverde said he was unsure if the Argentine would be ready to start this weekend.
"I don't know," he said. "If he's okay, he'll play. I hope it's like that."
Samuel Umtiti resumed light training last week following knee surgery, while back-up goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen is expected to be sidelined for six weeks with a torn calf muscle.
Ousmane Dembele is expected to be available in Bilbao despite not making the squad against Real following illness and an ankle issue and could start if Messi is not ready.
However, Jordi Alba will serve a one-match suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season.
That could lead to Valverde switching Nelson Semedo to left-back, although Thomas Vermaelen has played in that position this term. Alternatively, the manager could opt for a three-man defence.
Rafinha was lost for the season back in December after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against Atletico.
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Semedo; Busquets, Rakitic, Vidal; Coutinho, Suarez, Messi
Score prediction: Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Barcelona
Barcelona will be eager not to drop more points this weekend after that scare against Valencia and potentially open the door further to Atletico, who face Real in the Madrid derby.
Regardless of whether Messi starts or not, the visitors should have enough to secure a comfortable victory.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- Athletic Bilbao to win: 15/4
- Draw: 3/1
- Barcelona to win: 7/10
First goalscorer odds
- Lionel Messi: 5/2
- Luis Suarez: 3/1
- Philippe Coutinho: 4/1
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet
TV channel and live stream online coverage
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