Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

Both teams will be playing on neutral ground, leaving them without any home advantages. The winner of this match will book a spot for the final match against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid

Barcelona are the defending champions of this tournament after battering Real Madrid 5-2 last January to clinch the title. The Catalan side is on the right track to defend this title successfully.

Barca are now on a winning streak, having won their last 8 matches in all competitions. Thanks to heroic saves from Joan Garcia and two late strikes from Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, Hansi Flick's men were able to secure a 2-0 derby victory against Espanyol and keep the pace on the La Liga table.

Meanwhile, Bilbao's run of form has been a bit rusty, with the Lions being inconsistent in their last 10 matches. They have managed to get only 3 wins and 3 draws (L4). 

Playing against the Catalan giants will be a big test for Ernesto Valverde and his men, even on neutral ground. However, this is a familiar fixture for the former Barca manager.

Don't forget to check out our daily betting tips on BET OF THE DAY

It's been a one-sided affair in the match between Barcelona and Bilbao. The La Liga leaders have not lost a single game against Athletic Club in their last 17 meetings across all competitions (D5).

The Barca team is in great shape, and Hansi Flick has a star-studded squad to choose from in this fixture against Bilbao. While the German tactician may likely rotate the team a bit, we still expect to see almost all of his starting eleven available for the match.

Ferran Torres will likely be favoured to start ahead of Lewandowski in this fixture. However, the Spanish striker will have Raphinha and Yamal to support him. 

As for Athletic Club, Valverde will still be without Aymeric Laporte, Yuri Berchiche, Unai Egiluz, and Benat Prados. However, the manager will still field a strong squad that includes Alex Berenguer, Nico Williams, and Inaki Williams.

Barcelona: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; F Torres

Athletic Bilbao: Simon; Gorosabel, Paredes, Vivian, Boiro; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Berenguer, Sancet, N Williams; I Williams

Barcelona started the new year with a comfortable win, although the games came late. However, Bilbao hasn't shown much consistency, especially when playing against the biggest teams.

​The odds at top betting platforms, including Livescorebet, are in favour of the Blaugrana and backing them to win is only logical.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Athletic Bilbao

• Bet on Barcelona to win 

• Over 2.5 goals

• Raphinha to score.