After winning their opening game convincingly, Barcelona are hoping to extend their bright start to La Liga 2026/27. They welcome Athletic Club to Camp Nou on Thursday.

Barcelona to continue with Raphinha up front

Despite international stars such as Pedri and Anthony Gordon starting on the bench after busy summers, Barcelona eased to a 5-0 win at Elche on Sunday. Hansi Flick may opt for a similar approach here, with several key players still building up their fitness.

Having failed to sign a new striker this summer, Flick used Raphinha in a central role last time out. He responded positively with two goals and an assist. The Brazilian also scored 13 times in 22 appearances in the Spanish top flight last season, but missed several months due to injuries.

The hosts will be without Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji again in their first home game of the campaign. Gavi is also a fresh concern with a knee issue.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Athletic Club (4-2-3-1): J. García; E. García, Christensen, Martín, Espart; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, F. López, Gordon; Raphinha.

Yuri sidelined as Athletic look to bounce back

It was a miserable start for new Athletic Club coach Edin Terzić, who saw his team beaten 3-1 by Sevilla on Saturday. An 11th-minute red card for Yuri Berchiche ensured they spent most of the contest playing with 10 men. The left-back is suspended at Camp Nou as a result.

Adama Boiro could replace Yuri, while Terzić may want more experience in midfield. That will mean a recall for Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, but the visitors are again expected to be without the injured Dani Vivian.

Nico Williams will also come into the side. Los Leones are hoping the Spain star can produce more in La Liga this term, after he only managed six goals and three assists in the league last season.

Athletic Club predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Simón; Areso, Paredes, Laporte, Boiro; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta.

Barcelona vs Athletic Club Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Barcelona to win
  • Odds: 1.335 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Athletic Club
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 6HLU2

Key stats:

  • Barcelona have won all of the previous six meetings.
  • The Catalans won 100% of their home fixtures in La Liga 2025/26.
  • Athletic Club have only collected one point from their five most recent league outings.

After such a poor start under Terzić, Athletic will struggle to pick themselves up for a really tough test a few days later. They’ve been unimpressive throughout 2026, with 10 of their previous 14 competitive fixtures ending in defeat.

Backing Barcelona to win is a safe strategy. The Catalans looked sharp in their opening match, and they’ve won 92% of their competitive home games since the start of the 2025/26 season.

Barcelona vs Athletic Club Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Athletic Club to score under 0.5 goals
  • Odds: 2.27 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: E3MU2

Athletic Club have failed to score in each of their last five clashes with Barcelona. Meanwhile, four of the past five meetings in the Catalan capital have seen Barça win to nil.

The key attacking duo of Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet remain short on match fitness, which will limit the away team’s threat in the final third. Backing them to score under 0.5 goals offers value at odds of 2.27.

Verdict: Barcelona to win (1.335) — Barcelona 3-0 Athletic Club