Athletic Club Vs Alaves Prediction And Betting Tips

Date: 16 March, Saturday
Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM (GMT)
Stadium: San Mames

Athletic Club vs Alaves Preview:

San Mames will see Athletic Club vs Alaves kick-off on Saturday evening with Bilbao chasing a top four spot at the end of Matchday 29. The club has undergone massive transformation since the return of manager Ernesto Valverde. Bilbao have been much more fluid in attack and their intent to win has been evident.

The Basque side has even made it to the Copa del Rey final after beating Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona on the way. In 28 matches, Athletic Club have secured an impressive 53 points in 5th place, only two points from fourth-placed Atletico Madrid. This transformation could even result in them finding themselves in the top four on Saturday if they manage to beat Alaves.

Meanwhile, the same can be said for the visiting Alaves. The club from Basque country found themselves in Segunda Division last season after being relegated from LaLiga at the end of 21/22. However, after a sensational campaign, they returned to La Liga this season and have been exceptional ever since. Many expected Alaves to be relegated yet again this season, but the Spanish club found themselves in 13th place, far away from the relegation zone. Their determination was on display even last weekend as they grinded out a 1-0 victory against Rayo at home. However, even they know that beating Athletic Club at home in a Basque Derby isn’t an easy task.

Also Read: Real Sociedad vs Cadiz Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Athletic Club vs Alaves Team News:

Athletic Club:

Nico Williams ahead of Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves tie — Nico Williams will be eager to score against Alaves (Pic Credits: Getty Images)

The residents of San Mames will enter the tie against Alaves on the back of a comfortable 0-2 victory against Las Palmas last weekend. Ernesto Valvedere’s men looked energetic and were intense despite some rotations. Bilbao will also enter the game with most of their men back from injuries and a strong squad.

One of the major absentees will however be Aitor Paredes. The young center-back has started nearly all matches for Bilbao in LaLiga this season and his suspension will see him watch the game at San Mames from the stands. He will be accompanied by veteran Ander Herrera who will continue to recover from his injury. The ex-PSG man will return to the side in April. Unfortunately for Bilbao, a major miss will also be left-back Yuri Berchiche. The young star in the making sustained a hamstring injury after the tie against Rayo. Bilbao haven’t confirmed his return, but he will definitely miss the tie against Alaves.

Alaves:

While Alaves will enter the tie with a small injury list, they will still be missing some crucial players on Saturday night. Against Bilbao, Alaves will rue the absence of right back Andoni Gorosabel. The ex-Real Sociedad man sustained a harsh injury last weekend and is now confirmed to miss the tie against Alaves. This season, the right back has provided Alaves with crucial defensive security and has also been an outlet on the far side to cross the ball into the box. His absence will hurt Alaves in both phases of the pitch. Andoni will be joined by Aleksander Sedlar on the sidelines who’s ACL injury has ruled him out for the season.

If Alaves are to win the Athletic Club vs Alaves tie, they will have to overcome the loss of these players to injuries.

Athletic Club vs Alaves Predicted Lineups:

Athletic Club Expected XI:

Unai Simon (GK), Oscar de Marcos (C), Daniel Vivian, Yeray Alvarez, Inigo Lekue, Inigo Ruiz de Galaretta, Benat Prados, Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, Gorka Guruzeta

Alaves Expected XI:

Antonio Sivera (GK), Nahuel Tenaglia, Abdelkabir Abqar, Rafa Marin, Javi Lopez, Antonio Blanco, Ander Guevara, Carlos Vicente, Jon Guridi, Luis Rioja, Samu Omorodion

Athletic Club vs Alaves Head-to-Head Record:

Since 2011, Athletic Club have faced Alaves 19 times. Naturally Athletic Club have dominated the tie, but Alaves have improved in recent seasons. Out of the 19 ties, Bilbao have managed to win eight, while they have lost four. 7 ties between Bilbao and Alaves have ended in a draw. In their latest meeting, Athletic Club secured a comfortable 2-0 victory in the Copa del Rey.

Last five results:

Athletic Club 2-0 Alaves:- Copa del Rey – 17 January, 2024
Alaves 0-2 Athletic Club:- LaLiga – 23 September, 2023
Athletic Club 1-1 Alaves:- Club Friendly – 6 August, 2022
Alaves 0-0 Athletic Club:- LaLiga – 9 January, 2022
Athletic Club 1-0 Alaves:- LaLiga – 2 October, 2021