Athletic Bilbao vs. Barcelona: Predictions & Match Preview 05/01/2017

The Match Is Over. Score: 2-1

Athletic Bilbao vs. Barcelona Match Preview:
Next Thursday is not rich in football events, and the most markable match of the day's play will a duel between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona within 1/8 final stage of the Copa del Rey. In this confrontation Barcelona go appreciable favourites of the 1st leg, but not to forget that the Basques seem to be a homey team, indeed. Especially, the latter thesis is relevant for cup matches where the role of the home-field advantage reaches maximum.

Match status: SPAIN: Copa del Rey - 1/8-finals
Kick-off: Thursday 05 Jan 2017, 09:45pm GMT
Venue: "Estadio San Mames" in Bilbao, Spain

Athletic Bilbao: Team News
Before the Christmas break Athletic had played two games which were recorded two convenient wins over Celta Vigo and Racing Santander. These two teams can not be compared with Barcelona at any rate, but these results suggest that the team from Bilbao is in great shape. Also it would be good to look at Athletic's home matches in Spain La Liga: In eight games The Basques obtained six wins and one draw, suffering only one defeat.

Barcelona: Team News
But anyhow Barcelona shows a very decent level of football this season though. In the standings of the Spanish Primera "The Supporters" have taken action in eight matches at another's grounds on which they were successive to produce six wins, one tie, and one defeat, where "Blaugrana" hit the spot with 23 goals and just 9 conceded. In general, after 16 past rounds the team of Luis Enrique is on the second line in the top league of Spain and follow Real Madrid by a three-point distance away.

Athletic Bilbao vs. Barcelona: Match Preview
No matter how strong Athletic can be at home, Barcelona though will look stronger and more inspired than the Basque club. Seems like it is rather clear that the hosts will try to cause pressure on Barca so the match ahead is not going to be easy for the visitors by all means, but however, in the end when it comes the eventual aggregate result, the Catalans will be able to pull it off on their side.