Prediction: Athletic Bilbao vs Girona

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: BetUS

Girona will aim to reignite their La Liga title aspirations as they visit Athletic Bilbao, who are chasing a Champions League spot, on Monday night.

After a disappointing 4-0 defeat against league leaders Real Madrid in their last outing, Girona currently sit second in the table, trailing Carlo Ancelotti’s side by five points. Meanwhile, Bilbao occupy fifth place, trailing fourth-placed Atletico Madrid by five points with a game in hand.

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao managed to hold Girona to a 1-1 draw earlier in the current season, but Girona secured a thrilling 3-2 victory at San Mames in the corresponding fixture last season. Athletic’s last home win against Girona dates back to late 2018.

Bilbao understand the challenge they face in this upcoming match and will be eager to return to winning ways after a goalless draw against bottom-placed Almeria in their previous outing. Additionally, Athletic aim for success in the Copa del Rey this season, having secured a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final earlier this month.

Under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde, Bilbao are pursuing their first top-four finish in Spain’s top flight in a decade, carrying a five-game unbeaten run into Monday’s contest. With two more league games against Girona and Real Betis before the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico on February 29, March begins with a crucial home fixture against reigning champions Barcelona.

Team News

Athletic Bilbao will once again be without Daniel Vivian due to a leg injury, while Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta will undergo late fitness assessments ahead of the match.

If Nico Williams and Guruzeta are deemed fit, they are expected to bolster the team’s attacking options. Additionally, Oihan Sancet is likely to be recalled to the number 10 position.

With potential changes in the attacking lineup, there could be a refreshed look compared to the previous match against Almeria. However, Inaki Williams is anticipated to retain his starting position on the right flank.

Girona

Girona faced a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Real Madrid last weekend, denting their title aspirations significantly. On the other hand, Michel’s side remain unbeaten against any team in La Liga other than Los Blancos this season. With Real unsurprisingly emerging as strong contenders for the trophy, Girona’s remarkable campaign is still on track for a top-four finish.

Currently, Girona hold a narrow two-point lead over third-placed Barcelona and a five-point cushion over fourth-placed Atletico Madrid. However, following the four-goal loss to Real Madrid, it’s crucial for them to bounce back swiftly.

Despite holding a commanding 10-point lead over fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao in the standings, another defeat on Monday could put Girona under pressure as they approach the final stretch of the season.

Girona boast the second-best away record in La Liga this season, having secured 27 points from 12 matches on the road. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao boasts the third-best home record, accumulating 29 points from their 12 games at San Mames.

Team News

Artem Dovbyk will require a late fitness assessment for a muscular concern, while David Lopez, Joel Roca, and Toni Villa will be sidelined due to injuries.

Additionally, Yan Couto will miss the match after receiving a significant yellow card milestone in the previous defeat against Real Madrid. Arnau Martinez is expected to fill in defensively in his absence.

Despite the disappointing result against Real Madrid, head coach Michel is unlikely to make significant changes to the lineup, with hopes that leading goalscorer Dovbyk will be available to lead the attack.

Conclusion

This match presents a proper prediction challenge, particularly considering Girona’s need to bounce back from their recent disappointing performance. Athletic Bilbao, while formidable, has shown inconsistent league form lately. Therefore, a closely contested match with the two teams sharing the points on Monday night is a quite plausible outcome.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: BetUS