Bitesize Prediction: Mallorca vs Athletic Bilbao – 03/09/23

Competition: La Liga

Market: Over 1.5 goals

Odds: 1/2 @ 1xBet

Looking to make it three La Liga victories on the bounce this weekend, Athletic Bilbao will travel to Palma when they meet a struggling Mallorca on Sunday afternoon.

Starting with the hosts, while Mallorca might have gained a string of plaudits last season as they snatched a stellar top-half finish, the Pirates have failed to match a similar level this time around. Showing a string of issues since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, some around Palma are fearing that their side could be set for a relegation scrap this season. Missing out on what they would have billed as a golden chance on the opening weekend as they had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at La Liga returners Las Palmas, Javier Aguirre’s side have failed to muster a single win from any of their opening three top-flight appearances. Last seen putting in another worrying performance as they eventually slumped to an action-packed 3-2 defeat away at Granada, Mallorca are showing some rather glaring defensive struggles. It should also be highlighted, continuing on from last season, Aguirre’s men have seen six of their previous eight La Liga showdowns finish with over 1.5 goals.

As for the visitors, although Athletic Bilbao might have opened up the 2023/24 campaign with a 2-0 loss at home against Real Madrid, the Lions have come roaring back over the past fortnight. With their sights firmly set on clinching a lucrative European return this season, Ernesto Valverde’s side should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. Last seen putting in a free-scoring performance as they claimed a 4-2 victory at home against Real Betis, the former Barcelona boss will be calling on his squad to make another statement here. Mustering six points from their opening three La Liga showdowns, Bilbao will also be excited by their most recent display away from San Mames. Landing an eye-catching 2-0 win against Osasuna on August 19th, neutrals could be treated to an entertaining affair this weekend. It should be noted, with four of the last five meetings between Sunday’s opponents finishing with over 1.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Bet: over 1.5 goals at Mallorca vs Athletic Bilbao 1/2 for Sunday’s La Liga showdown @ 1xBet