As we remember, Athletic Bilbao lost 0:6 in the previous game between these teams and the reason for that big score was sending off the Basque goalkeeper in the 4th minute. This double punishment (penalty and red card) is quite unfair. Even Barcelona players, manager and president admitted that. Maybe just a penalty kick would be enough. This game could be more competitive with not such a big goal difference.
Maybe the officials should rethink the rule of double punishment. It’s a triple point of fact: Iraizoz is now suspended for the next game and his team is tired after playing ten together. And now they must play vs. Barcelona again. Matches against the Catalan side are always energy intense, especially with ten men on the pitch.
So it’s going to be a tough game for Athletic Bilbao, even though the match will take place at San Mames. The obvious physical problems of the home team will lead to conceded goals in the second half. The pressure can be too high and the chances to concede will increase.
I suggest to bet on goals in the second half. Even Athletic Bilbao can score because their forward Aduriz is back from his suspension. They will play in aggressive style in front of their fans. So we can go for over 1.5 goals in the second half at 1.95.