Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona live stream, TV channel, lineups, betting odds for La Liga clash

Barcelona's La Liga title challenge takes them to Bilbao on Sunday as they face Athletic Club in a crunch meeting at the Estadio San Mames.

Xavi's Barcelona squad has a six-point lead at the top of the table after defending champions Real Madrid defeated Espanyol on Saturday. Barca are seeking to hold them off in the 14 matches to secure their first La Liga title since 2019.

The Catalans will be under pressure to maintain their strong form in this matchup, ahead of a crucial head-to-head matchup against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou next weekend.

Here's all the key information on the match including kickoff time, live streaming details and TV channels, lineups and betting odds.

What time is Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona kick off?

This La Liga clash kicks off at the Estadio San Mames on Sunday, March 12 at 9 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:

Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch all of the action from this match in some of the major territories:

UK: This match will be broadcast live in the UK through Viaplay Sports and La Liga TV.

USA: This match will be televised in Spanish on ESPN Deportes, making it also available to stream on fuboTV, which offers a free trial for new users. A stream in English will be made available on ESPN+ for subscribers. 

Canada: Every La Liga game this season is live streaming exclusively via TSN in Canada, with select matches televised on one of the network's channels.

Australia: Fans in Australia can stream every match live and on demand on Optus Sport. 

Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona lineups

Athletic Club are without key midfielder Oihan Sancet due to suspension, with manager Ernesto Valverde expected to recall Mikel Vesga, as his replacement.

First choice goal keeper Unai Simon is still out — with Julen Agirrezabala continuing to deputise — with Inaki Williams and Raul Garcia in line to return.

Athletic Club projected starting XI (4-2-3-1): Agirrezabala (GK) — Lekue, Vivian, Martinez, Berchiche  — D.Garcia, Vesga — N.Williams, R.Garcia, Berenguer — I.Williams

Athletic Club subs: Paredes (GK), Muniain, Vencedor, de Marcos, Capa, Zarraga, Balenziaga, Djalo, Diez 

Ronald Araujo misses out due to a one-game ban, with Marcos Alonso set to replace him. But Pedri, Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele are unlikely to be risked.

The injured trio will be assessed ahead of facing Real Madrid next weekend with Xavi looking to carefully manage their recoveries.

Barcelona projected starting XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen (GK) —  Kounde, Christensen, Alonso, Alba — Kessie, Busquets, De Jong — Raphinha, Torres, Gavi

Barcelona subs: Tenas (GK), Roberto, Garcia, Balde, Torre, Alarcon, Fati, Estanis

Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona prediction, odds

Barcelona have maintained their superb momentum since the World Cup break, with just one defeat in 10 La Liga games, and the pressure could be ratcheted up slightly, with Real Madrid cutting the deficit to six points.

Valverde's hosts are without a win in their last four games in all competitions, dropping down to 9th in the table, and Xavi will be confident of squeezing out a tight win, to set them up for an El Clasico showdown on March 19.

Prediction: Barcelona to win 1-0