Bilbao boast tough backline for Barca to dismantle
Barcelona host Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday evening, looking to get their title challenge back on track after relinquishing top spot over the weekend. Athletic are unbeaten against FCB in the last four head-to-heads, winning the last two by a goal to nil, the most recent in their run to the Copa Del Rey final where they are set to meet Real Sociedad. Both teams have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six, with ninth placed Bilbao ready to prove a tough test despite the Catalan Giants expectedly strong favourites. The pressure is starting to build on Quique Setien in the hot seat at Camp Nou, a slip up here would make Real Madrid huge favourites to regain the La Liga title.
Background
Barcelona are unbeaten in 27 home league games, winning 25. Four of their last six home victories were to nil, with defence being the Basque sides best facet comfortably, boasting the third most solid in the division, Barca to win to nil is an appealing market. This year FCB have won their home games by a 1.83 goal margin on average, Setien has found results easier to come by in Catalonia. Athletic have broken the deadlock in the first 20 minutes in four of their last five away trips however that statistic is contrasted by the fact Barcelona have not conceded a first half goal in their last eight home league games.
Key men
Aymeric Laporte’s replacement Inigo Martinez signed from Real Sociedad in January 2018 for just under £30million. The Spain international is an integral part of the success of Gaizka Garitano’s backline and now at 29 in his peak is certainly one of the standout centre backs in La Liga. Now approaching 100 appearances for the club he has been a rock in 2019/20. He averages 1.4 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, clearing the ball on 4.3 occasions, the latter being the most impressive.
Much sought after full back Nelson Semedo put in a good display last time out despite the disappointing result in Seville. Wrapped in a rumour of heading off to Turin during the season’s suspension the Portuguese right sided defender has focused on the pitch and showcased his quality on Friday evening. After one Lionel Messi, Semedo was the joint second-best performer alongside Jules Kounde according to WhoScored. Slotting in behind Arturo Vidal in a very fluid 4-4-2 formation the 26-year-old had a pass completion rate of 95%, successfully tackled three times and contributed going forward with two dribbles. He could be a big player in the remaining fixtures, being a name that goes under the radar when you think about the threats Barca pose.
Bilbao are tough to break down and will believe they can assert themselves on this match with their recent record against the champions.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
A goalless first half that contained only one shot on goal gives us the W. Ivan Rakitic came off the bench to clinch an important 1-0 win for Quique Setien's side.