Football Results

The first match in the new season is clash between two old rivals. The Pride of the Basque Country meets the Catalan giant which won the title last season in which Athletic underperformed and didn’t qualify for the Europa League. However, both their head-to-head had finished as draw; the one in Bilbao 0-0, and the other at the Camp Nou 1-1.

Athletic Bilbao

The seventh place won last season meant that Athletic won’t play in the Europa League for the second year in a row. It was a failure, however, in the previous season they also reached the relegation zone so in the end everything went well. They start the new season with the objective of finally qualify for the Europa Leagues, although the tean is practically the same or maybe even weaker than the last year. Besides returners from loans they didn't buy anyone and some mostly older players, like Susaeta, Iturraspe and M. Ric have left. Athletico will rely on proven players and again only the Basques play are in the team.

Probable lineups Athletic Bilbao: Herrerin – Capa, Yeray, I. Martinez, Berchiche – Dani Garcia, Benat – Muniain, Raul Garcia, Cordoba – Williams

FC Barcelona

A tough away math for Barcelona at the beginning of the championship in which they are the title defenders. They won it easier than expected last season. Barcelona’s rivals totally underperformed and Barca had an easy stroll to the title, but this season it could be harder. The beginning is very important and the Catalans are aware of it, while right now they cannot rely on their best player Messi. The Argentine is injured and Griezmann should replace him, who is the biggest name they have brought this year. Another great player, midfielder F.de Jong also has problems but he should be able play, and if he is not ready there is S. Roberto to take his place. New goalkeeper Neto is also injure, but he is anyway a backup for ter Stegen.

Probable lineups FC Barcelona: ter Stegen – Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, J. Alba – Busquets, Rakitic, F. de Jong – Griezmann, L. Suarez, Dembele

Verdict:

Athletic could be tough rival for Barcelona since it will play at home, and it wouldn’t be the first time. The home team didn’t bring reinforcements this summer but it kept the key players, while Barcelona cannot count on its best player in Bilbao, so we forecast that both teams will score.

Pick: Both teams to score 1.79 - 79/100 @1XBet