Barcelona will play their first La Liga home game of the 2024/25 season against Athletic Club on Saturday 24 August.
The Catalans began their campaign with a 2-1 win at Valencia thanks to a Robert Lewandowski double, giving new coach Hansi Flick a winning start to his time in the top flight of Spanish football.
Athletic Bilbao drew 1-1 with Getafe in their opening game of the season but will be hoping to count on Spain’s Euro 2024 star Nico Williams to start. The winger has been heavily linked with Barca during this transfer window but is expected to spend another season with the Bilbao side and would relish the chance to lead his side to maximum points at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Transfer rumours continue to dominate Barca’s agenda despite a promising opening game. The team are trying to sign new signing Dani Olmo in time for this weekend, but that could depend on potential departures being finalised before Friday of this week. It all seems a little confusing, which makes his performances on the pitch a welcome distraction for fans.
The Jugo Mobile analyses the latest predicted lineups and team news below.
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club confirmed lineups, expected starting XI and team news
Dani Olmo He will be hoping to make his debut for Barcelona after missing the 2-1 win at Valencia due to not having registered in time. His availability for this weekend will depend on the future of Ilkay Gündoganwho is about to complete his return to his former club, Manchester City.
pedri He came off the bench at Mestalla and could be a starter again, probably alongside a 20-year-old. Marc Casadowho continues to impress in midfield. If Olmo is a starter, Rafina He is expected to move to the left wing, which means Ferran Torres will fall into the bank.
Barcelona’s expected XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ter Stegen (GK) – Kounde, Cubarsi, Martínez, Balde – Casado, Pedri – Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha – Lewandowski.
Wounded: Gavi, Ronaldo Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati
Suspended: None
Nico Williams He is expected to start this game after coming on as a substitute in the season-opening 1-1 draw with Getafe. The Euro 2024 star could well be eager to impress against a side who are heavily linked with trying to sign him this month.
Spanish international companion Dani Vivian He could also return to defence after having had a longer break following La Roja’s triumph at the European Championship in Germany.
Alvaro Djalorecently signed from Braga, he could make his debut after recovering from an injury.
Athletic Club’s expected XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Padilla (GK) – Gorosabel, Paredes, Vivian, Berchiche – Prados, Vesga – I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams – Guruzeta.
Wounded: Unai Simon, Julen Agirrezabala, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Oscar de Marcos
Suspended: None
Barcelona vs Athletic Club live, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match in selected areas across major regions around the world:
| Region | TV | Transmission |
| USA | ESPN Sports | ESPN+, Fubo |
| Canada | — | TSN+ |
| United Kingdom | Premier Sports 1, La Liga TV | Top-level sports player |
| Australia | beIN Sports 2 | beIN Sports Connection |
| India | — | GXR World |
USA: This match is available for live streaming via ESPN+ and will be broadcast in Spanish via ESPN Deportes. Fubo Subscribers will also be able to watch the action live.
Canada: TSN+ will broadcast this match for viewers in Canada.
Australia: Fans in Australia can watch this game on beIN Sports 2 and stream it via beIN Sports Connect.
United Kingdom: Premier Sports 1 and La Liga TV will be showing the match on television in the UK. Streaming options are available via Premier Sports Player.
India: While there are currently no TV broadcasters airing La Liga matches in India, fans can stream this fixture via GXR World.
