Barcelona Clash with Athletic Club: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Following over two years away, Barcelona will make their comeback to their true home at the refurbished Camp Nou as they welcome Athletic Club when La Liga resumes after the international fixtures break.

The reigning La Liga champions have experienced an uncertain start to the campaign. However, their 4–2 triumph against Celta Vigo combined with the comeback of crucial players from injuries should lift the spirits of Hansi Flick's squad, who aim to deliver an impressive performance in their much-awaited homecoming.

Ernesto Valverde's Athletic Club have encountered their own difficulties this campaign. Compared to their third-place position at this stage last season, they now find themselves in a disappointing seventh spot. Nevertheless, they possess sufficient talent to disrupt Barcelona's Camp Nou comeback.

A victory would allow Barcelona to temporarily match Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga, applying pressure on Xabi Alonso's team who play the following day.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview for Barcelona vs. Athletic Club in the Camp Nou reopening.

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Barcelona vs. Athletic Club Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

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Barcelona Team News

Several key players are expected to return from injury as Barcelona gradually regain their fitness after a severe injury crisis that hampered Flick's team throughout October.

Raphinha will provide Barcelona with a much-needed offensive boost. Having recently recovered from a hamstring problem that kept him out since late September, he's expected to appear as a substitute. Marcus Rashford will probably miss his debut match of the season for Barça due to illness, creating an opportunity for Ferran Torres to start on the left flank.

The same cautious approach won't be necessary for Joan García, who after undergoing knee surgery in September, the summer acquisition is back and will start in goal. Lamine Yamal pulled out of international duty due to his persistent groin problem, but after returning to normal training during the week, he should be selected on the right wing.

Frenkie de Jong's suspension and Pedri's injury will compel Flick to use an improvised midfield. Marc Casadó has returned to full fitness and Dani Olmo might be positioned alongside him, operating in a deeper position than usual but one where he excelled against Celta Vigo previously.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Atletic Club

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, García Cubarsí, Balde; Casado, Olmo; Yamal, Fermín, Torres; Lewandowski.

Athletic Club Team News

Athletic Club are managing several injuries themselves, with Iñaki Williams and striker Maroan Sannadi joining Beñat Prados and Unai Egiluz in the medical bay.

Positively, Valverde will benefit from having two of his top performers available. Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams are fully fit and should feature against the Catalans. The latter might face an unfriendly reception from the Camp Nou supporters following his heavily scrutinized transfer situation that ended with him remaining at Athletic rather than joining Barça.

Spain national team center-backs Daniel Vivian and Aymeric Laporte will need to perform at their peak to neutralize Barcelona's offensive threat. The same applies to fellow international Unai Simón, who plays a crucial role in goal.

Athletic Club Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Athletic Club predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Simón; Gorosabel, Vivian, Laporte, Berchiche; De Galarreta, Jauregizar; Berenguer, Sancet, Williams; Guruzeta.

Barcelona vs. Athletic Club Score Prediction

Following an outstanding campaign in 2024–25, Athletic Club appear much more ordinary at the start of this season. While the same might be said of Barcelona, the quality difference remains evident.

Barcelona's weakened midfield will present challenges for Flick's team, who may find it difficult to maintain their typical dominance in possession and game rhythm.

However, the Blaugrana attack has been finding form with seven goals across their previous two fixtures. Drawing energy from their home crowd in their first match back home, they'll rise to the occasion and deliver an entertaining display.

Yamal and Lewandowski are likely to find the net while Raphinha will contribute from the substitutes' bench as Barça secure a vital victory to maintain pressure on table-toppers Real Madrid.

Prediction: Barcelona 3–1 Athletic Club