Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao preview
This Saturday Barcelona travel to the Estadio San Mames in Bilbao to take on Athletic Bilbao, who will be looking to prove they belong at the top with the big boys in La Liga.
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Despite a setback in only their second match of the league season, losing 0-2 to newly promoted Hercules, Barcelona have been perfect in La Liga and currently sit in fourth place, a mere point behind the
leaders. They managed a tough 1-0 victory over Sporting de Gijon in midweek after coming away with a well deserved 2-1 victory last weekend over Atletico Madrid.
The Madrid match last Sunday was not without its casualties, however, as Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi was stretchered off after a brutal challenge from Madrid defender Tomas Ujfalusi. Barcelona now
proceed into the wilderness without their world footballer of the year and inspirational team leader.
Bilbao have had an impressive start to the season and are coming off an impressive 3-0 victory over Mallorca in midweek. Bilbao sit two points back of Barcelona with two victories, one draw and a single
loss coming at the hands of Atletico Madrid.
Players to watch
Can anyone really fill the space left behind by a player like Lionel Messi? Not really. Messi is just that good and Barcelona won't be the same side for as long they are without him. Barcelona do have
a lot of options and will retool their game plan as they need in order to get results. The loss of Messi means that striker Pedro is likely to see action on a more consistent basis. Don't be surprised to see youngsters Bojan Krkic or Jeffren come into the
lineup if Pedro should have a hard time finding the target. The big spotlight will now be shining on David Villa as he will be the one looked upon to provide Barcelona with goals. Look to Andres Iniesta to act as the main supply line to Villa.
The one to watch for Bilbao is Spanish international striker Fernando Llorente Torres (not to be mistaken with the Fernando Torres who plays for Liverpool). Llorente has scored three of Bilbao's seven
league goals this season and is their main threat up front. He will most likely act as lone striker and won't be shy to take on Barcelona defenders in one-on-one situations.
What to expect
Barcelona have taken some hard knocks in the past week and training sessions have reflected the fact that the squad as a whole might not be fully fit. Look for the Basque side to play without fear and
really as though they have something to prove to the rest of the league and especially to their fans. Without Messi in the lineup Barcelona will control the possession but will be missing the catalyst that drives the ball from the midfield into the opponent's
goal. Watch Barcelona to be forced into the situation where they have to fight for a tie. The scoreline will read 1-1, but it will be a moral victory for Bilbao.
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