Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao: Camp Nou Must Make the Difference

Barcelona will aim for a comeback victory at Camp Nou as they look to overturn the 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey knock-out phase. The blaugrana were defeated by Ernesto Valverde's side in the first match of the year with two quick first half goals from Adruiz and Williams in a terrifying match that saw Barcelona denied two clear penalties. However a decisive goal via Messi's amazing free-kick in the second half gave Barcelona some confidence of for the return leg.

TEAM NEWS
Barcelona squad boycotted the FIFA award on Monday in order to adequately prepare for this match. In the first leg, the trio of Iniesta, Busquets, and Alba were given yellow card. Jasper Cillessen who missed the first leg due to injury is back and if all things goes well Rakitic and Umitti should also return to the starting lineup after the former was omitted from squad that drew 1-1 at Villarreal and the latter was an unused substitute.

While the Athletic club who played a goal less draw in their last match will be without two of their key midfielders Iturraspe and Raul Garcia who were sent off during the first leg of the tie.

KEY STATS

1. Barcelona have been unbeaten in our last 18 home matches against Bilbao in all competitions..

 2. The last time Bilbao won at Camp Nou was in November 2001 that was 15 years ago.

3. The last Athletic Bilbao visited Camp Nou, they lost 3-1 on that occasion.


Having won the last two edition of the trophy, the blaugrana will be hoping to make it three in a row such highlight the importance of the Spanish cup as presently it looks to be our only hope of lifting a silverware this season after dropping two point in league on Sunday

To win this game we must approach the game in a different way speaking ahead of the game after the training session at Ciutat Esportiva on Tuesday, Lucho insist Barcelona must improve on their performance;    "We have to be very effective, very precise, and improve our percentage of getting out with the ball and beating their pressure. When we beat it, we were able to find space behind their defence and create scoring chances.”

POSSIBLE LINE UP

 FC Barcelona (4-3-3) Cillessen; Roberto, Umtiti, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Neymar, Messi, Suarez.

 Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1) Iraizoz; Boveda, Etxeita, Laporte, Balenziaga; San Jose, Rico; Muniain, Susaeta, Enric Saborit; Aduriz.

 My Prediction: 3-1in favour of Barcelona and in conclusion with the home advantage and the fans behind us at Camp Nou we should make a difference.