On Sunday night, Athletic Club and Barcelona clash at the San Mames in a game that could be vital in the race for La Liga’s European spots.
Athletic heading for the Copa del Rey finalLos Leones have been in slightly inconsistent form of late. However, a 3-0 home win over Atletico Madrid last time out sealed their place in the Copa del Rey final.
Athletic suffered a 3-1 defeat at Real Betis last time out in La Liga. The boys from Bilbao have now won two, drawn two and lost two of their previous six games in the Spanish top flight.
The recent mixed form in La Liga has hampered their chances of a top-four finish. However, they are in fifth place, just three points adrift of the Champions League spots.
Athletic have a formidable recent home record in the Spanish top-flight, as they are unbeaten in 12 games at San Mames.
Ernesto Valverde’s team has also been prolific in front of goal on home soil in La Liga, having recorded at least two goals in 11 of their last 12 home games.
Barcelona eased to win against Getafe last time outThe Catalan giants head into this clash on the back of six games in all competitions, having recorded four wins and two draws, including a 4-0 home win over Getafe last time out.
Xavi’s team also has a decent recent record in La Liga, having recorded wins in seven of their previous nine matches in the Spanish top flight.
The Blaugrana have been highly potent in front of goal in La Liga, having scored at least two goals in eight of their last nine matches in the Spanish top flight.
Barcelona has an excellent recent away record, as they are unbeaten in their last 12 La Liga games on their travels, having also recorded four straight matches away from home.
What am I backing?This game is a difficult one to judge, as it pits a top home team against a team that does well on their travels. I believe this could be a high-scoring clash, which is why I am backing over 2.5 goals scored.
