Athletic Club vs Barcelona: Predictions, odds & betting tips

With players returning from injury the Catalans look like a more imposing prospect and should be able to claim a win in the Basque Country

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Barcelona travel to the San Mames on Thursday evening to face Athletic Club in the last 16 of the Copa dDel Rey.

Both sides were involved in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia last week with Barcelona losing in the semi-final to Real Madrid and Athletic defeated by Los Blancos in the final.

Athletic and Barca boast a proud tradition in this competition, with the Blaugrana the only side in Spain to have won the Copa del Rey more times than the team from Bilbao.

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Athletic Club vs Barcelona latest odds

Next matches

This will be the fifth meeting between these two sides in the last 12 months and, during that time, Athletic have claimed one victory and Barcelona two wins, with the most recent meeting in August ending as a draw.

The hosts are offered at 5/2 (3.50) with bet365 while the Catalans can be backed at 6/5 (2.20) and the draw at 11/5 (3.20).

Athletic Club vs Barcelona first goalscorer

Ansu Fati could be fit enough to start his first game for Barcelona since November 6 and the teenager is priced at 13/2 (7.50) to open the scoring.

Memphis Depay leads the market at 9/2 (5.50) with Ferran Torres offered at 11/2 (6.50).

The shortest priced Athletic player to score first is Inaki Williams at 6/1 (7.00) with Raul Garcia available at 7/1 (8.00).

Athletic Club vs Barcelona preview

Barcelona left Saudi Arabia following their 3-2 extra-time defeat with their heads held high after a performance that gave cause for optimism.

Despite a fifth consecutive Clasico defeat, Barca showed plenty of spirit and purpose and, with important players coming back into the side, the second half of the season should see an improvement from the Blaugrana.

Xavi Hernandez's side, however, are still conceding too many goals, and their record of one clean sheet in their last 10 matches underlines the ease with which opponents have been able to score against the Catalans.

Athletic, meanwhile, remain a side who fail to take their chances, boasting one of the highest expected goals tallies in La Liga but one of the division's lowest goals per game ratio.

Marcelino Garcia's men are likely to be competitive, as they always are in front of their own fans, but Barca's superior firepower should see them through.

Athletic Club vs Barcelona tips & predictions

Barca can be backed at 6/5 (2.20) and that looks like a strong bet, while backing them at 9/10 (1.90) with a -0.25 Asian handicap could also appeal.

Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.