FC Barcelona will begin their defense of the Spanish Super Cup when they take on 
Athletic Bilbao in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
The La Liga rivals will battle for a spot in the final, facing the winner of the other semifinal matchup between 
Real Madrid and 
Atlético Madrid.
Barca are fresh off an emotional win over city rivals Espanyol, coming away with all three points after scoring twice in the final minutes despite being frustrated for most of the contest.
Blaugrana goalkeeper Joan Garcia was monumental in his return to the RCDE Stadium, making six big saves while facing an incessant chorus of boos from the Espanyol supporters who once chanted his name.
The win — their eighth-straight in all competitions — allowed the Cules to maintain their four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the league table.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, settled for a 1-1 draw with Osasuna over the weekend, and are winless in their last three league games. They currently sit eighth in the La Liga standings with 24 points through 19 games, four points off the last European qualification spot.
The Catalans got the better of Bilbao in their only other meeting so far this season with a comfortable 4-0 win at the Spotify Camp Nou in November.
Where to Watch FC Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao in the United States
Barcelona and Athletic Club will face off at the 62,345-capacity King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
- When: Wednesday, January 7 – 2PM ET / 11AM PT
- Where: King Abdullah Sports City City Stadium – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Where to watch in the United States: ESPN+
FC Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Odds
- Barcelona to win: -240
- Draw: +360
- Athletic Bilbao to win: +500
- Both teams to score (Yes/No): -152 / +120
- Over/Under 3.5 goals: +136 / -174
- Robert Lewandowski first goalscorer: +320
- Ferran Torres anytime goalscorer: +110
- Lamine Yamal anytime goalscorer: +125
- Raphinha anytime goalscorer: +125
Odds courtesy of FanDuel.
Athletic Bilbao Team News and Predicted Lineup
Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde — who once played for and managed Barcelona — will have a healthy squad to call upon for Wednesday’s colossal duel.
Williams brothers Iñaki and Nico should feature on either attacking flank, with the younger of the two eager to make a difference against the team he came very close to joining last summer.
Oihan Sancet is likely to get the start as the No. 10, and while he is capable of changing a game with a moment of brilliance, he’ll have to keep his emotions in check, as he’s liable to lash out and get himself sent off.
The Spanish national team’s starting goalkeeper Unai Simon will be between the sticks.
Athletic Bilbao predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon (GK) – Andoni Gorosabel, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Adama Boiro – Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar – Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams – Gorka Guruzeta.
FC Barcelona Team News and Predicted Lineup
Hansi Flick’s squad is humming at the moment, and the German boss will hope to carry that momentum over to Saudi Arabia to capture another piece of silverware.
Joan Garcia made the difference in the win over Espanyol, and should be back in goal against Athletic Club.
Gerard Martin has deputized admirably in the middle of defense, forming a solid center-back pairing with Pau Cubarsi. Eric Garcia is the only player to appear in every single one of Barca’s games this season, and should start again in midfield alongside Pedri on Wednesday.
Fermín López provided the assists for both of his side’s goals on Saturday, surely forcing his way back into the starting 11. Robert Lewandowski could also be in line to start after losing his spot to Ferran Torres over the last few weeks.
FC Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia (GK) – Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Alejandro Balde – Pedri, Eric Garcia – Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha – Robert Lewandowski.
5 Center-Backs Barcelona Should Target in January: €80 Million Star on Shortlist
Barca will have to be active during the upcoming January transfer window, as the Catalans currently find themselves very thin in central defense.
