20 August 2021, 14:04 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Spanish La Liga fixture, Athletic Club vs. F.C. Barcelona kicks off at 21:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, August 21 at the San Mamés Barria.
Preview Athletic Club La Liga, Aug 21, 2021
Preview Athletic Club Bilbao will return behind the opening day goalless draw on the road against Elche at the Manuel Martínez Valero stadium. Both sides had several clear-cut chances but failed to convert any, - leaving them with a point apiece at full-time. It was an equal game, that saw a total of 17 shots, - with Bilbao taking 9 of them and having 3 on target. The visitors had 49% of the ball and put together 373 passes, - just as much as the opposition, Elche. On Saturday, head coach, Marcelino will look to restart their season on a much better note when he returns with the Lions on Match Day 2. A victory against Barcelona appears to be a tall order, but he would be delighted to pick up a point. Marcelino is expected to return with the same 4--4--2 formation as seen on Match Day 1 against Elche with the duo consisting of Williams and Sancet leading the attack. Riddled with injuries, Athletic Club Bilbao could be without Yeray Álvarez, Alex Petza and left-back, Yuri Berchiche on the second day of the season when they face Barcelona.
Preview FC Barcelona La Liga, Aug 21, 2021
Preview Life without Lionel Messi began on a bright note for F.C. Barcelona as they picked up a morale-boosting 4-2 win over Real Sociedad on the opening day of the season. Gerard Pique (19') put Barcelona in front before another goal from Martin Braithwaite (45'+2) at the end of the first half doubled Barcelona's advantage. Braithwaite (59') picked up the brace a minute to the hour mark before Real Sociedad made a late attempt to steal a point, - with goals coming from Julen Lobete (82') and Mikel Oyarzabal (85'). However, a goal from Sergi Roberto (90'+1) in stoppage time put the game to bed and bagged all three points for Barcelona. Koeman will eye back-to-back victories when he returns with Barcelona on Match Day 2. His side continues to adjust to life without the six-time Ballon dÓr winner, Lionel Messi. An attacking 4--3--3 formation is expected from Ronald Koeman with the trio consisting of Martin Braithwaite, Memphis Depay and Antoine Griezmann in attack. Barcelona will continue to be without Sergio Aguero (calf injury), Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembélé (hamstring injury). Marc-André ter Stegen faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after knee surgery and is ruled out of this fixture. The 19-year-old Spanish midfielder, Nico Gonzalez is expected to play an important part in the upcoming game against Athletic Club Bilbao.