Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia
Sixth plays eighth in a tasty clash at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on Sunday when over 40,000 fans will amass to see the La Liga contest between Athletic Bilbao and Valencia.
These two clubs have collected lorry loads of Spanish silverware over the years, but in recent times, they have sat in the shadows of the Madrid clubs and Barcelona.
Athletic Bilbao lost to the Catalan giants only last week, while Valencia ended a four-match winless run with a 2-0 win at home to Cadiz.
Athletic Bilbao have been regulars in Europe over the past few seasons, but an eighth place finish last term has left Ernesto Valverde’s side to concentrate on domestic matters.
Meanwhile, Valencia boss Ruben Baraja is hoping to bring a glimpse of former glories back to the demanding Mestalla crowd.
With the Basque versus Spain factor to throw into the melting pot, this has all the hallmarks of an upper mid-table classic, but Bilbao in particular have higher aspirations.
Talking Points
Bilbao needs to win a big game
A trip to Barcelona was a tough proposition last week, and Ernesto Valverde’s team almost emerged with a point until 17-year-old Barca starlet Marc Guiu scored in the 80th minute.
Bilbao were well in the game, only losing the shot count by 12 to 10, but that is no consolation to their fans or indeed the players.
Athletic Bilbao are the fifth favourites to win the La Liga title, but in the recent Basque derby, they were humbled by Real Sociedad with a 3-0 drubbing.
Take a closer look through and, with a shot count of 18 to eight in Bilbao’s favour, Valverde’s men dominated much of the game but were wasteful in front of goal.
They have the chance to make amends against another big club this weekend, and they have the creative muscle to do just that.
Veteran forward Inaki Williams has over 300 games for the club, and he is top scoring with four goals this season, as well as making two assists.
Gorka Guruzeta had scored four. Oscar de Marcos is the top assist maker with four, while Valverde will be looking for more from inspiration skipper Iker Muniain and Inaki’s younger brother, Nico Williams.
These players can give their fans plenty of La Liga 2023 highlights to talk about at the San Mames. And if they are clinical, Bilbao will win this next big game.
Duro has his shooting boots back on
Valencia had a comfortable win over lowly Cadiz last week, winning 2-0 with goals from Hugo Duro and Luis Gaya Pena.
That was a relief to head coach Baraja, who had watched his team pick up just two points from the last four games, drawing with modest opposition in Almeria and Real Mallorca while falling to the bigger guns of Real Betis and Real Sociedad.
But before that barren run, Los Ches picked up one of the results of the season when they swept Atletico Madrid aside 3-0 as Duro bagged an impressive brace.
His goal against Cadiz ended Duro’s own fruitless run, and he will be the biggest threat to the Bilbao defence now that he has found his range again.
Duro is still only 23 years of age and has time to replicate the success he had as a striker with Getafe B where he scored 32 goals in 69 appearances. He made the headlines against Los Rojiblancos, and this could well be Duro’s breakout season in the top-flight.
Keep an eye open too for 20-year-old attacking midfielder Javier Guerra who has scored three goals and made one assist so far, and he too looks to have a bright future.
History
These two teams have won 14 La Liga titles between them, eight for Athletic Club and six for Valencia, with Los Ches winning their last two titles in 2022 and 2004.
Bilbao have won the Copa del Rey 23 times to Valencia’s eight. Butwhile the Basque club won their last Cup and League in 1984 (a domestic double) , Valencia won their most recent Copa del Rey in 2019.
Los Ches have had the better of the head-to-head over the past 30 years, winning 26 games to Bilbao’s 19. But the last three have all gone the way of the Basque club, and they are unbeaten in this fixture in the last four games at home.
With three wins, one draw, and two defeats, Bilbao are in slightly better form than their visitors who have won two, drawn two, and lost two.
Betting Tip
At 1.63, the La Liga 2023 betting odds are pointing firmly toward a home win with the draw at 3.68 and a victory for Los Ches at 4.17.
The most likely scoreline is 1-0 to Athletic Club at odds of 5.03, while the price is 6.37 on a 2-0 home win.
Valencia have some exciting young players, but experience, depth of squad, recent form, and a passionate home crowd are all in Bilbao’s favour.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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