Athletic Bilbao to stifle Barcelona’s La Liga challenge

Barcelona have failed to win in three of their last five away games in all competitions and Athletic Bilbao are good value in the double chance market at 23/20.

A win or a draw for the home side will see the bet land and a draw is exactly what Bilbao have achieved in their two most recent La Liga games against Barcelona in the San Mames Stadium.

A late Ander Herrera goal rescued a point for the home side in April whilst it was Lionel Messi who was salvaging the draw when the clubs met in November 2011.

Both matches ended two-all and a repeat of that scoreline is 12/1.

Bet on Bilbao to draw or win at 23/20

Bilbao have been in good form of late, especially at home where they are unbeaten in seven matches.

Their win against Villareal – who are one place above Ernesto Valverde’s side – was further proof that Bilbao are capable to rising to the occasion in the big games.

They returned from the international break with a 2-1 win away at Malaga in which they came back from one goal down in the second half.

That was the fourth time that Valverde’s side had taken three points from a losing position, whilst they have also drawn twice despite conceding the first goal.

Barcelona to lead at half-time and fail to win is 12/1 and looks too big a price against a team who have shown so much spirit this season.

Bet on Barcelona to lead at half-time and fail to win at 12/1

Meanwhile Gerard Martino’s side have won 13 of their 14 games in La Liga this season and currently sit on top of the table with 40 points.

However not everyone has been impressed with Martino’s team – including some fans at the Nou Camp – and they lost their first game of the season in the Champions League this week.

Ajax emerged with a 2-1 win on Wednesday evening and there is no doubt that the Catalan giants are missing Lionel Messi and Victor Valdes who are both out injured at present.