Third game in ten days between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao is unlikely to bring any changes to the scoreline as Barcelona look to clinch their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals in the return leg against the Basque.

Barca keep winning without trident

Luis Enrique’s team has been without his attacking trio for the majority of matches this season, but it did not stop the Catalans from winning. Barcelona won 15 of their 21 games without some of the members of the MSN trio. It was the case against Malaga on Saturday when Munir replaced injured Neymar in the starting line-up only to score the game’s opener two minutes in the match. The hosts levelled the score at the half-hour mark, but Messi’s solo goal made sure that Catalans went home with three points in the bag. With Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid drawing their respective games against Sevilla and Betis, Luis Enrique’s charges climbed the top spot in the La Liga standings. The Catalans are level on points with Rojiblancos, but have a game to spare and it is now clear that Barcelona are the firm favourites to reclaim the title at the end of the season. Camp Nou outfit want to repeat the fantastic 2015 and will fight hard in all fronts. As they turn their attention to Copa del Rey action, Barcelona will be keen to strike the third win in tree attempts in only ten days against Athletic Bilbao and there are great chances they will succeed.

Neymar is unlikely to return to the fold, but Luis Suarez has served his suspension and will be there to help his team.

Aduriz is on fire

The experienced Spanish striker has been in fantastic form this season and no one has been indifferent towards his impressive displays and scoring exploits. Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is keeping the close tabs on the Athletic Bilbao forward who could be the surprise inclusion for Euro 2016. It would be a well-deserved call-up as the 34-year-old striker has so far scored the total of 21 goals in all competitions for the Lions. Aduriz scored five goals in his last six appearances, including the brace in the Sunday’s 5-2 beating of Eibar. Los Leones came from behind to secure an impressive win over Eibar and to cement their place in the top half of the Primera Division table. It was an entertaining game which will be a good incentive for Athletic Bilbao to try and pull a surprise on Barcelona at Camp Nou. However, with 6-0 trashing still fresh in their memory, Valverde’s men will have to be very careful for their trip to Barcelona. Bilbao fans were buoyed last week with Inaki Williams signing a new contract and committing to his club as the youngster was the subject of intense transfer speculation over the last couple of weeks.

Ibai Gomez and Raul Garcia are still unavailable with their respective knee injuries, while goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz is suspended as he had received a red card in the first leg.

Verdict

Athletic Bilbao have been alternating between wins and losses in last couple of weeks and they are likely to suffer another blow following their comprehensive win over Eibar last weekend. Barcelona are too strong for the Lions and I am sure they will record their third win over Valverde’s team.

Top pick: Barcelona/Barcelona    1.81 (13/16) @Unibet

Alternative pick 1: Barcelona to win to nil    2.25 (5/4) @SkyBet

Alternative pick 2: Luis Suarez to score anytime    1.5 (1/2) @BetVictor