Lionel Messi Fan

A comprehensive 4-2 victory at home to Mallorca for FC Barcelona two weeks ago should normally serve them as a morale-boosting result ahead of the Spanish giants’ away match at the weekend against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.

The Spanish League title holders have not really managed to keep the luck and strength they showed last season, but regardless of that fact, they still hold the first place in the table.

Surely, this is because of Real Madrid’s incapability to remain in winning ways; yet, Barcelona could suffer a drop in the standings if ever they fail to get a victory at the San Mames stadium on Saturday.

FC Barcelona – Dealing with Exhaustion

It is indeed true that matches played by Barcelona’s biggest stars during their recent international duties could have an impact on their display this weekend. Certainly, this would be understandable, but then, bearing in mind that Real Madrid’s rotation policy could help Los Blancos in terms of fitness in preparation of their match against Racing Santander, Barcelona would certainly have to put their fatigue behind.

This definitely calls for determination…

Enhancing the back

Recent matches have clearly revealed that Barcelona’s defenders need a whole new way of protecting their goal line, so as to prevent their opponents from scoring in almost every single match they play; but nonetheless, it looks like coach Pep Guardiola is more concerned by the work of his front men than the mistakes of his back players.

Most goals conceded by Barcelona recently have been coming from dreadful faults in the Catalans’ own half. Perhaps, a stronger midfield could do be the ideal solution to solve such a dangerous problem; but then, it would be unacceptable to rely on specific parts of the team only, instead of the entire squad.

At least, the defense would have to be blameless before the manager decides to handle games over to his attackers; however, this is not the case for the Spanish League title holders.

Unfortunately, despite the success they still have this season, the load of work on forwards such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pedro, and Lionel Messi has been increased, subsequent to the defenders’ weakness which seems to be affecting the whole team’s form.

A chance for Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao have also been facing dangers with only 5 games won out of 10. Among their 5 remaining games, they have lost 4, and drawn 1.

These are surely bad statistics, but fortunately for them, they still lie in the first half of the Spanish League table, with 16 points, and in 8th position.

A win could be vital for them, as it could send them closer to the top four places of table. It would normally be a tough task to try and beat Barcelona, even if it is at the stadium San Mames; but then, considering the poor defense of Barcelona this season, anything in the favor of Athletic Bilbao could happen.

For instance, it was a late and shocking own goal from Gerard Pique of Barcelona that saved Osasuna from missing all 3 points from their game on October 31, and in fact, if Barcelona haven’t managed to get a clean sheet in the league since they last drew 0-0 away to Valencia 4 weeks ago, then there’s certainly hope for the Basques this weekend.

Somehow, one would have reasons to believe that Athletic Bilbao would be right to take with them the painful feelings Barcelona placed in their hearts when they defeated them 4-1 in the Copa del Rey final last season, and 5-1 on aggregate in the Spanish Super Cup; as these feelings could therefore be used as strong tools to make the Spanish League champions pay back.

Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona – The Score Line

In the end, Barcelona might want to work on their back to prevent their opponents from using it as a way to trouble them. Nonetheless, if ever they fail to do so, then Bilbao might cause them an unforgettable upset, taking into consideration the reduced gap at the top of the table between them and their rivals Real Madrid.

To be honest, I personally can’t really predict the score line, but I certainly can predict that the match will not end in more than a 5-goal thriller. What about you fans, what do you believe?

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Isaac Asante, LMF

Related Articles:

Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona – Bleacher Report
Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona – OleOle.com
Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona – Zimbio.com

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