Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Athletic Bilbao:
Unai Simon; Capa, Alvarez, Martinez, Berchiche; D.Garcia, Lopez; Williams, R.Garcia, Muniain; Villalibre
Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Firpo; Busquets, De Jong, Arthur; Messi, Griezmann, Fati
Athletic Bilbao will host Barcelona for a quarter-final battle in the Copa Del Rey. This is a game between the two most successful teams in the competition's history - Athletic won the cup 23 times, while Barcelona 30. I believe we will enjoy an interesting match at San Mames. Bilbao have eliminated CF Intercity, Sestao, Elche and Tenerife in the previous phase. Athletic needed penalties to overcome the last two opponents in the round of 32 and 16. Of course, Barcelona are the hardest rivals, but it is clear Bilbao will try to secure semi-finals. The overall form isn't at desired level as the Basks outfit have no win on the last seven matches in La Liga. The draw with Real Madrid at Santago Bernabeu should be respected, though the Sunday's 2:0 defeat to Getafe is definitely a bad result. The players confidence isn't at desired level, but they will enter the match fully motivated. Coach Gaizka Garitano will be without defender Oscar de Marcos, while goalkeeper Iago Herrerin is banned after his early sending off against Tenerife in the last round. However, his absence is not a big handicap as he is a second-choice keeper and usually play only in cup matches. That means the regular shot-stopper Unai Simon will start here. Other than that, Garitano should have a fully fit squad to choose from for this match.
Barcelona have dominated the Copa del Rey in recent years, winning the trophy in four consecutive seasons, before their 2:1 defeat to Valencia in the final last May. The Catalans are between the favorites to win the cup this year too. They have eliminated Ibiza in their first match. It wasn't easy, the reigning champions were down until the 72nd minute when Antoine Griezmann equalized the result. The same player scored in the referee time to secure progress. It was much easier in the next round when Barca won 5:0 against Leganes. Leo Messi was the key player as he scored a brace. The remaining three goals were scored by Griezmann, Lenglet and Arthur. Coach Quique Setien's men were successful during the weekend as they beat Levante with 2:1. Youngster Ansu Fati impressed on Sunday scoring both goals. Nevertheless, the atmosphere in the club isn't at desired level as Messi involved himself in a public row with sporting director Eric Abidal. This may end badly for Abidal as president Josep Maria Bartomeu decided to think about his future. Setien has three injury worries ahead of this match. Reserve goalkeeper Neto is injured, as well as strikers Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele. Neither player is expected to return soon.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Prediction:
I think Barcelona will win. It is always hard to play at San Mames, but I still believe the Catalans will celebrate. They have player able to make difference in this match - Leo Messi. The Argentinian is in excellent form and has more goals (14) and assists (8) than any other player in Primera Division so far this season.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Pick: Away win @ 2.00 with Bet365
Possible starting lineups:
Athletic Bilbao:
Unai Simon; Capa, Alvarez, Martinez, Berchiche; D.Garcia, Lopez; Williams, R.Garcia, Muniain; Villalibre
Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Firpo; Busquets, De Jong, Arthur; Messi, Griezmann, Fati
Athletic Bilbao will host Barcelona for a quarter-final battle in the Copa Del Rey. This is a game between the two most successful teams in the competition's history - Athletic won the cup 23 times, while Barcelona 30. I believe we will enjoy an interesting match at San Mames. Bilbao have eliminated CF Intercity, Sestao, Elche and Tenerife in the previous phase. Athletic needed penalties to overcome the last two opponents in the round of 32 and 16. Of course, Barcelona are the hardest rivals, but it is clear Bilbao will try to secure semi-finals. The overall form isn't at desired level as the Basks outfit have no win on the last seven matches in La Liga. The draw with Real Madrid at Santago Bernabeu should be respected, though the Sunday's 2:0 defeat to Getafe is definitely a bad result. The players confidence isn't at desired level, but they will enter the match fully motivated. Coach Gaizka Garitano will be without defender Oscar de Marcos, while goalkeeper Iago Herrerin is banned after his early sending off against Tenerife in the last round. However, his absence is not a big handicap as he is a second-choice keeper and usually play only in cup matches. That means the regular shot-stopper Unai Simon will start here. Other than that, Garitano should have a fully fit squad to choose from for this match.
Barcelona have dominated the Copa del Rey in recent years, winning the trophy in four consecutive seasons, before their 2:1 defeat to Valencia in the final last May. The Catalans are between the favorites to win the cup this year too. They have eliminated Ibiza in their first match. It wasn't easy, the reigning champions were down until the 72nd minute when Antoine Griezmann equalized the result. The same player scored in the referee time to secure progress. It was much easier in the next round when Barca won 5:0 against Leganes. Leo Messi was the key player as he scored a brace. The remaining three goals were scored by Griezmann, Lenglet and Arthur. Coach Quique Setien's men were successful during the weekend as they beat Levante with 2:1. Youngster Ansu Fati impressed on Sunday scoring both goals. Nevertheless, the atmosphere in the club isn't at desired level as Messi involved himself in a public row with sporting director Eric Abidal. This may end badly for Abidal as president Josep Maria Bartomeu decided to think about his future. Setien has three injury worries ahead of this match. Reserve goalkeeper Neto is injured, as well as strikers Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele. Neither player is expected to return soon.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Prediction:
I think Barcelona will win. It is always hard to play at San Mames, but I still believe the Catalans will celebrate. They have player able to make difference in this match - Leo Messi. The Argentinian is in excellent form and has more goals (14) and assists (8) than any other player in Primera Division so far this season.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Pick: Away win @ 2.00 with Bet365
