Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao La Liga Betting Picks for Oct. 22

The early signs are certainly positive regarding the difference the two Joaos can make. Barcelona is unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions since the duo arrived, winning six of them and averaging 2.63 goals per game.

Barcelona is sitting third in the standings, three points behind leaders Real Madrid. Unfortunately, they are dealing with huge injury issues.

Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Alejandro Balde, and Lamine Yamal are all suffering from injury issues already. However, the latter two returned to training and are expected to be ready for Athletic on Sunday.

Pedri and Raphinha are also in line to return within the next week or so. As things stand, Barcelona has just 11 senior players available, including reserve goalkeeper Inaki Pena. If you’re betting online, you shouldn’t expect them to cover any La Liga betting lines on Sunday.

Athletic Bilbao Tough Nut to Crack

Ernesto Valverde’s third spell in Bilbao as Athletic boss started brightly with some good early season displays and big wins. They are now sitting fifth in the standings, just four points behind Sunday’s opponents.

Athletic Bilbao rolled over Almeria 3-0 at home before the international break, but given their ups and downs on the road, they are a tough team to read for online betting. The visitors have some selection worries, too, with Yeray, Nico Williams, and Mikel Vesga all out or doubtful.

The most notable movements this summer saw experienced centre-back Inigo Martinez depart to join Barcelona on a free transfer. Meanwhile, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta returned to the club from Mallorca, where he has impressed in a midfield role.

Ernesto Valverde surely needs to find a way to get all of his best players on the pitch against Barcelona. The visitors will try to pull off the upset and take advantage of Barcelona’s injury issues.

Barcelona Unbeaten in Last Ten Meetings

Barcelona is unbeaten in the last 10 head-to-heads with Athletic Bilbao across all competitions, winning seven. They also managed to keep three clean sheets in a row against the visitors.

An Athletic player has been carded first in eight of their last nine La Liga matches. Barcelona is the only side in the division yet to lose this campaign. The visitors won half of their away matches this season, while Barcelona has a perfect home record with four wins and 11 goals scored.

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Match Information

• Match: Barcelona (6-3-0) vs. Athletic Bilbao (5-2-2)
• Location: Estadio Olimpico, Barcelona, Spain
• Day/Time: Sunday, Oct. 22, 3 p.m. ET
• Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao Live Stream: Fox, Fubo.tv

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Lines

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Picks: Bet on Goals

The hosts enter this clash as favorites, priced at -149 on the three-way moneyline according to the latest La Liga odds, while the goal line is set at 2½.

Barcelona is three points behind Real Madrid, sitting at the top of the La Liga standings. They are determined to climb past their arch-rivals, and this match seems to be a great chance for them to keep the positive consistency.

Given their injury issues, backing them at this price is a risky La Liga bet. Bilbao makes it a tough call as they have scored four goals in their four away matches, and we expect them to find the back of the net again.

Soccer Pick: Both Teams To Score in the Match YES (-130)

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