La Liga

Valencia vs Athletic Club: Preview, Team News, Lineups, H2H, Prediction, Odds and Telecast

Arnav Kholkar

Valencia vs Athletic Club Preview

Ruben Baraja’s Valencia will host Athletic Club in La Liga as they look to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey.

The hosts are currently eighth in La Liga with 29 points from 20 games and made a slow start to the campaign. However, having finished 16th last season, their revival under Baraja has been remarkable. They have won four of their last five league games, drawing the other 1-1 against Barcelona. A win could see them leapfrog Real Betis into seventh place.

Meanwhile, Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club have shown their class in recent weeks, going unbeaten in their last 14 games across competitions. That run includes seven wins and three draws in La Liga. Currently placed third in the table with 41 points from 20 games, Valverde’s men will look to earn a good result away from home. They secured a comfortable 2-1 win over Real Sociedad in their last game and will look to extend the winning run.

Valencia vs Athletic Club Team News & Probable Lineups

Valencia

The hosts will be without long-term absentee Andre Almeida, who has been out with a muscle injury since the beginning of October. The midfielder has missed a considerable amount of games and his return date is unknown.

Defender Gabriel Paulista and winger Fran Perez are at the risk of suspension as they have each picked up four yellow cards in La Liga this season.

Probable XI: Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK), Dimitri Folquier, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Paulista, Jose Luis Gaya (C), Fran Perez, Hugo Guillamon, Pepelu, Sergi Canos, Hugo Duro, Diego Lopez.

Athletic Club

Midfielder Dani Garcia remains sidelined with a hamstring injury he picked up in late November last year. Forward Inaki Williams is unavailable for selection since he is representing Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Inigo Ruiz and Aitor Paredes are at the risk of facing suspension as they have both picked up four yellow cards apiece this season.

Probable XI: Unai Simon (GK), Inigo Lekue (C), Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche, Inigo Ruiz, Mikel Vesga, Alex Berengeur, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, Gorka Guruzeta.

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Valencia vs Athletic Club Head-to-Head & Prediction

Last 5 La Liga games H2H

  • Athletic Club 2-2 Valencia (10/23)
  • Valencia 1-2 Athletic Club (02/23)
  • Athletic Club 1-0 Valencia (08/22)
  • Athletic Club 0-0 Valencia (05/22)
  • Valencia 1-1 Athletic Club (09/21)

As you can see, most of the encounters between Valencia and Athletic Club have been tight games, with three draws and two wins for Athletic. However, both those wins were by a one-goal margin.

This encounter promises to be another closely-contested contest with each of the two teams having won four of their last five in La Liga. This could be another stalemate with little to separate between two teams in form.

Prediction: Valencia 1-1 Athletic Club.

Valencia vs Athletic Club Betting Tips & Odds

Tips

  • Both Teams to Score: Yes.
  • Match Result: Draw.
  • Under 2.5 Goals: Yes.

Odds

  • Valencia win: 3.50
  • Draw: 3.50
  • Athletic Club win: 2.20

Top Players to Watch

Valencia

Diego Lopez, Valencia

Forward Diego Lopez will be one to watch after his stellar performance in Valencia’s 4-1 drubbing of Cadiz earlier this month. The 21-year-old bagged two goals and even provided an assist in a dominant performance.

Lopez has made 23 appearances across competitions this season and played 1622 minutes. During that time, he has scored four goals and provided four assists and will look to add to his tally.

Athletic Club

Midfielder Alex Berenguer will be in the spotlight for the visitors after he scored both goals in Athletic Club’s 2-1 win against Real Sociedad in the Basque derby.

The 28-year-old has made 22 appearances across competitions this season and has scored four goals and provided two assists. He will look to carry his form into the next game and help his team maintain their incredible run of form.

Valencia vs Athletic Club Timings & Telecast

  • Date & Time: Saturday, 20th January 11 PM (IST).
  • India: Sports18 and JioCinema.
  • UK: ITV Sports.
  • Spain: DAZN.

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