Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Preview

Sunday evening brings us perhaps the pick of this weekend's fixtures in the Spanish top flight when third placed Barcelona play host to fifth placed Athletic Bilbao when the two teams lock horns at the newly named Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (formerly Nou Camp) with both teams looking to further their claims for an early position in the top four pack of the division.

Although Barcelona sit in third spot, the hosts still remain unbeaten in what has been a solid campaign so far in the early stages of this new season and having collected no fewer than six wins in their opening nine games, Barcelona will fancy their chances of adding to their points tally here this Sunday, and indeed, could even move top of the La Liga table if other results go their way.

Results and form on home soil have been impressive so far this season as Xavi's side possess a 100% winning record at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys after recording wins against Cadiz 2-0, Real Betis 5-0, Celta Vigo 3-2 and a 1-0 victory over Sevilla and there seems to be little reason why Barcelona can't continue their winning streak on Sunday evening against Athletic Bilbao as well.

Athletic Bilbao have also made a solid if not slightly more modest start to this new La Liga campaign as the visitors occupy fifth place and although they have been handed two defeats already, Athletic Bilbao have also picked up five wins to date this term which has placed them just two points behind fourth placed Atletico Madrid.

A 2-0 defeat at home to Real Madrid on the opening day of this new La Liga season along with a 3-0 loss away from home at Real Sociedad have been Athletic Bilbao's only blots on their copy book so far, while wins on the road at Osasuna and Alaves have contributed to an early fifth place in this season's standings.

However, it's worth noting that the two away wins this season have been recorded against clubs sitting in the lower half of the La Liga table and these have been the visitors' only highlights in their previous eight outings on the road.

Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao Verdict

The bigger picture shows Barcelona have suffered just the one defeat out of their last 23 home games which in itself is an impressive record but the hosts have also managed to collect no fewer than 19 clean sheets in the process so Barca look well placed to take the spoils here on Sunday night.

In addition, Barcelona have won the previous three meetings on the trot against Athletic Bilbao and a fourth consecutive win looks to be just around the corner on Sunday night.

Therefore, our main bet will be Barcelona win @ 1.61

Other side bets worth considering:

Barcelona win & Under 2.5 goals 4.33

Correct score: Barcelona 1-0 @ 8.00