Barcelona will host Athletic Bilbao on Saturday night to begin their 2024–25 La Liga campaign, as the Barca will be looking to gather a second victory of the season.
In their season opener at Mestalla, Hansi Flick's team overcame a deficit to defeat Valencia 2-1, when Robert Lewandowski scored a brace for the Catalan team. The Spanish top-flight contenders will now play three games in August—against Athletic, Rayo Vallecano, and Real Valladolid—before taking on Girona in their first game following the international break in September.
However, Valverde's team drew 1-1 with Getafe to start the new La Liga season, and they are still looking for their first victory under the current head coach of the team.
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The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club live stream, TV channel in UK
Here's how to watch this La Liga match in the UK:
- TV channel: LaLigaTV, Premier Sports 1
- Live stream: Premier Sports Player
This game is available for live TV broadcast on LaLigaTV and Premier Sports 1 in the UK. The fans can also stream the game on Premier Sports Player.
The Premier Sports Player is offering a one-month free trial to its new users.
If the game is not available to watch live in your location, or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)
What time does Barcelona vs. Athletic Club kick off in UK?
| Date | Saturday, Aug. 24 |
| Kick-off time | 6:00 p.m. BST |
| Venue | Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys |
| Location | Barcelona, Spain |
This La Liga clash takes place at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, and kicks off on Saturday, August 24 at 7:00 p.m. local time (CEST). It translates to 6:00 p.m. BST for fans in the United Kingdom (UK).
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club lineups, team news
Dani Olmo will hope to make his Barcelona debut after missing the 2-1 win at Valencia due to not having been registered in time. Whether or not he is available for this weekend will depend on the future of Ilkay Gundogan, who is on the verge of completing a return to his former club Manchester City.
Pedri came off the bench at Mestalla and could be back in the starting lineup, likely alongside 20-year-old Marc Casado, who continues to impress in midfield. Should Olmo start, Raphinha is expected to move to the left wing, meaning Ferran Torres will drop to the bench.
Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ter Stegen (GK) — Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde — Casado, Pedri — Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha — Lewandowski.
Injured: Gavi, Ronaldo Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati
Suspended: None
Nico Williams is expected to start this game after coming on as a substitute in the season-opening 1-1 draw with Getafe. The Euro 2024 star may well be keen to impress against a side heavily linked with trying to sign him this month.
Fellow Spain international Dani Vivian may also come back into defence after having been given a longer rest following La Roja's triumph at the Euros in Germany.
Alvaro Djalo, newly signed from Braga, could make his debut after recovering from injury.
Athletic Club predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Padilla (GK) — Gorosabel, Paredes, Vivian, Berchiche — Prados, Vesga — I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams — Guruzeta.
Injured: Simon, Agirrezabala, Ruiz de Galarreta, Oscar de Marcos
Suspended: None
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club prediction
Even with Lewandowski scoring twice in the opener, finishing remains a big problem for Barcelona. They created 3.22 xG against Valencia but only Lewandowski's 49th-minute penalty saw them through to three points. Athletic, meanwhile, profile as the opposite, needing very few chances to find the net.
This is a side that has troubled Barcelona often in recent years, winning their Copa del Rey meeting back in late January before playing to a scoreless draw in league play six weeks later. They will know how to keep Barcelona at bay in this match.
Prediction: Barcelona 1-1 Athletic Club
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