Bitesize Prediction: Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia – 29/10/23

Competition: La Liga

Market: Athletic Bilbao win

Odds: 7/10 @ 1xBet

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Sunday evening, Athletic Bilbao will welcome Valencia to San Mames.

Starting with the hosts, eventually marking their return from October’s international break with a late 1-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao are certainly seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, while Ernesto Valverde’s side might have recorded just a single win from any of their previous four La Liga appearances, the Lions should be smelling the chance to claim a welcomed boost here. Still with their sights firmly set on clinching a European return this season, the Basque-based outfit have gained a reputation for their rugged approach. Heading into the fortnight interval with a thumping 3-0 victory against Almeria, the former Barcelona boss will be excited to make a return to home soil this weekend. On a run that is highlighted by an action-packed 4-2 win against Real Betis on August 27th, Athletic Bilbao have collected 10 points from their previous four La Liga showdowns at San Mames. Looking to make up some ground in the top-four chase on Sunday evening, Valverde’s men could be smelling a real opportunity here.

As for the visitors, managing to make what was a crucial return to winning ways last weekend as they claimed a 2-0 victory at home against Cadiz, Valencia will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on going forward. However, while Les Ches might have made a string of improvements since returning from the summer break, Ruben Baraja’s side are still seeking some recent stability. Winning just a pair of their previous eight La Liga appearances, Sunday’s guests will also be concerned by their extended issues away from the Mestalla. Without a win from any of their last four top-flight showdowns on the road, it is also worth highlighting that Valencia have claimed just one win from any of their previous seven away fixtures. Facing what appears to be a stern examination this weekend, Baraja’s side should also be worried by a nightmare record against Bilbao. Including a 2-1 defeat when Sunday’s opponents last met back on February 11th, Valencia have lost all of their last three meetings by an aggregate score of 6-2.

Bet: Athletic Bilbao 7/10 to beat Valencia in Sunday’s La Liga showdown @ 1xBet