Prediction: Bilbao win
Best Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
La Liga football returns this week with another full slate of action from Spanish football’s top tier. Things are looking pretty tight both at the top and the bottom of the table but given that we’re still just coming out of the winter break, many teams are only just getting into a real rhythm. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be an interesting clash between Valencia and Athletic Bilbao.
Valencia
From one of the best teams in Spanish and European football to a side threatened with relegation. This is the story of Valencia Football Club and, based on their current position, we’d say something needs to change. They’d had an erratic recent history in the last couple of years with the fanbase, and size of the club overall, not being represented well on the pitch – and that much is an understatement.
Team News
Domenech, Correia and Gonzalez have all been ruled out of this one through injury.
Athletic Bilbao
In recent times, Athletic Bilbao have proven that they can mix it up with just about anyone on both the domestic and European stage. They’ve always been a club that knows how to stick to its morals and with a passionate fanbase behind them, it’s understandable to see why. Moving forward, their goal will be to continue to make progress both in La Liga and in the cup – although things have been up and down this season.
Team News
Martinez and Williams are both big misses through injury with Berchiche being suspended.
Factors to Consider
- Bilbao are 8th in La Liga whereas Valencia are 17th.
- Valencia have won one, drawn one and lost four of their last six games.
- Bilbao have won three and lost three of their last six games.
- Valencia have scored seven goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
- Bilbao have scored nine goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
Conclusion
Valencia will need to try and keep things tight at the back, as they’ve done on so many previous occasions. Alas, their recent run of form doesn’t exactly scream confidence. We think they’ll be nervous to pull the trigger in the final third and as a result of that, they’ll allow this game to get away from them. Therefore, we’re backing a nervy 1-0 or 2-0 win for Bilbao to further compound the hosts’ misery.
Prediction: Bilbao win
Best Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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