Lionel Messi and Barcelona have the chance to take the top spot in La Liga but they face a tough test in Athletic Bilbao, the team that thrashed Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup in the summer. The last time the two teams met in La Liga, it was a Luis Suarez goal that sealed all three points for the Catalans and they will hope for the same result.
Form
After their draw against Espanyol in La Liga two weeks ago, Barcelona have reeled off four straight wins including a 2-0 win over Espanyol in the Copa Del Rey. Now Barcelona find themselves two points off the leaders Atletico Madrid and they have a game in hand as they look to take back the lead in the title race.
They also find themselves in the Quarter final of the Copa Del Rey against Athletico Bilbao which will be right after their La Liga fixture. In their last meeting in the Copa Del Rey, it took two Leo Messi goals in the final for Barcelona to capture their first title in their treble winning season. This time it will be different as both teams will have to play two legs instead of one and considering Atletic's success in the Super Cup, this will be a tough game for Barcelona.
It has been a dissapointing season for Atheltic Bilbao as they sit 8th in La Liga which is right underneath the European competition qualifying spots. They sit four points behind Sevilla, who beat Bilbao in their last fixture 3-2 thanks to a brace by Kevin Gamiero. The loss snapped a streak for Bilbao and puts some pressure on this fixture against Barcelona.
But Bilbao seemed to play inspired against Barcelona as they two teams play a scrappy game whenever they play. They also have the first leg of the Copa Del Rey quarterfinal after this against Barcelona. Two huge games for Bilbao.
Team News
Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu has been ruled out of the clash with a calf injury.
Athletico Bilbao have announced that striker Kiko Sola has joined Middlesborough on loan for the rest of the season.
Bilbao have also announced that midfielder Raul Garica has been ruled out for an extended time with a knee injury. He came over from Atletico Madrid in the summer and has been a key part of the team so far.
What They're Saying
`I'm expecting the same as always (from Athletic). Zero rest, zero concession and a lot of intensity. It's a difficult game for both teams.The players already know what type of game it's going to be.'' said Barcelona manager Luis Enrique to the media before the game (via ESPNFC). Expect a tough matchup between both teams.
Prediction
This will be a scrappy game for sure as both teams have a history of clashing on the pitch. Especially last year with Neymar in the Copa Del Rey final. But as always, Barcelona find a way to get it done at home.