Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao predictions and betting tips | Flick’s side seek second success

Our Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao predictions focus on the second game for Hansi Flick’s team in 2026/27, as the Blaugrana aim to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao head to head overview

• Date: Thursday 27th August.
• Kick-off: 8pm.
• Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain.
• Where to watch: Premier Sports 1.

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao quick tips

• Barcelona/Barcelona half-time/full-time – 21/20 with Spreadex
• Over 3.5 goals – 5/4 with William Hill
• Raphinha to score any time – Evens with Betway

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao predictions

In their first game of the new season, Barcelona announced that they are not prepared to give up their La Liga title without a fight.

There has been speculation that Barcelona would turn their focus to the Champions League this season following back-to-back title triumphs.

That may well prove to be the case at some point down the line, but Hansi Flick’s side look as determined as ever to come out on top in Spain for the third campaign on the bounce.

A 5-0 thrashing of Elche was the perfect start to 2026/27. Braces from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez, and a single goal from Karim Adeyemi, handed Barcelona a commanding victory on matchday one.

Flick’s team dominated from start to finish. Elche are not the strongest side in the division, but it was hard to not be impressed with some of the football Barcelona played.

Next up is this midweek tussle with Athletic Bilbao, as Barcelona return to the Camp Nou. 

After a difficult pre-season, Athletic lost their first league game of the campaign 3-1 at home to Sevilla. A trip to Barcelona is therefore the last thing they needed on matchday two.

The only positive is that Athletic are getting arguably La Liga’s toughest fixture out of the way early.

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao tips

Barcelona face Athletic Bilbao in their third match of the 2026/27 La Liga season.

Barcelona to march on

Barcelona have been superb in La Liga since Hansi Flick’s arrival and there is nothing to suggest that will change any time soon.

Barca have won their last two titles in style, frequently blowing away their opponents. In their 77 league games under Flick, the Blaugrana have scored 202 times.

Many teams sit off once they have established a lead. Not Barcelona. They continue to press home their advantage even if they are two or three goals to the good.

This promises to be another comfortable win for Barca, who should be ahead after both 45 and 90 minutes.

Tip Barcelona/Barcelona in the half-time/full-time market at 21/20 with Spreadex

Attack, attack, attack

There were a total of 131 goals in Barcelona’s 38 La Liga fixtures last term. That works out as 3.45 per 90 minutes.

If we only take Barcelona’s home games into account, that per-90 figure rises to 3.53. 

Since returning to the Camp Nou last November, there have been four strikes or more in exactly half of Barcelona’s 14 league encounters in front of their own fans.

Athletic Bilbao conceded three goals to Sevilla last weekend, so there is every chance this will be a high-scoring contest in Catalonia.

Go for over 3.5 goals at 5/4 with William Hill

So much attacking quality

There was much debate over who would start up front for Barcelona against Elche on matchday one.

In the end Hansi Flick went with Raphinha, and his decision was utterly vindicated as the Brazilian scored twice to help Barcelona on their way.

Raphinha has grown into one of the world’s best forwards under Flick, who deserves huge credit for helping the former Leeds United man fulfil his potential.

Whether he plays on the right, the left or through the middle, Raphinha will be a major threat to the Athletic Bilbao backline on Thursday.

Back Raphinha to score any time at evens with Betway

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao predicted lineups

• Barcelona expected lineup: J.Garcia; E.Garcia, Christensen, Martin, Espart; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Lopez, Adeyemi; Raphinha.
• Athletic Bilbao expected lineup: Simon; Areso, Alvarez, Paredes, Laporte; Gerenabarrena, Canales; Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta.

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao latest odds

Find the latest Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakersand are subject to change.

• Barcelona: 4/11 with Spreadex
• Draw: 4/1 with Betway
• Athletic Bilbao: 13/2 with William Hill

More La Liga predictions

We have plenty more La Liga predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao for betting

Barcelona have won six games in a row against Athletic Bilbao, keeping a clean sheet in each of the last five. Athletic have not beaten Barcelona away from home since 2001.

• Last meeting: 7th March 2026; Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Barcelona.
• Last 6 matches: Barcelona wins – 6; Athletic Bilbao wins – 0; Draws – 0.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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