Athletic Bilbao will take on Atletico Madrid in La Liga this weekend with both teams looking to build on solid starts to the season.
Atletico Madrid are unbeaten thus far after one win and two draws while Athletic Bilbao have a point less following one win, one draw and one defeat.
There is extra pressure on Diego Simeone to deliver this season after a busy transfer window so Atleti will feel they need to win this one to avoid falling too far behind Barcelona, the early pace-setters.
How the bookies view it: Atleti have the edge
Despite being the away team, Atletico Madrid are considered the more likely winners on Saturday afternoon. Betfred have priced an Atletico Madrid victory at 6/4 while a win for Athletic Bilbao has been priced at 15/8. The draw, which would keep both teams ticking along nicely, has been priced at 11/5. All three results are very much on the table here.
Recent head-to-head: Don't expect a draw
Looking at the recent record between these two teams, the match ending in a draw feels very unlikely. A winner has been found in the last eight meetings between Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid with the home team coming out victorious more often than not.
Last season, Athletic Bilbao defeated Atletico Madrid twice at the San Mames Stadium as they faced off in both the league and Copa del Rey.
Players to watch: Can Alvarez break his duck?
There is huge pressure whenever a forward signs for a new club for obscene amounts of money and that is no different for Julian Alvarez as he embarks on his new adventure in the Spanish capital. The former Man City man has made three appearances for his new club now but is still awaiting his goal.
In many way, Alvarez is unlucky in that he is not only starting his Atletico career without a pre-season with his new teammates but also in that he is starting it without a break of any kind. After playing 50+ times for Man City last season, the 24-year-old then featured at the Copa America and Olympics.
When you're an £80m player, there is no time for sympathy and he will need to get on the scoresheet soon to avoid pressure building. Fellow summer signing, Alexander Sorloth, has already broke his duck for Atletico and perhaps he can help his strike partner out on Saturday.
Predicted line-ups
Athletic Bilbao are already contending with a mini-injury crisis as four players, including Yuri Berchiche and Unai Simon, are already unavailable due to injury. Diego Simeone has a bigger and fresher squad to pick from with Marcos Paulo his only absentee.
Athletic Bilbao: Agirrezabala – De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Boiro – Prados, Vesga – I.Williams, Sancet, Djalo – N.Williams
Atletico Madrid: Oblak – Molina, Le Normand, Witsel, Gimenez, Lino – De Paul, Koke – Griezmann, Sorloth, Alvarez
Anything else catch the eye?
Athletic Bilbao have kept things relatively tight in their opening three matches with three or more goals only being scored in one of their three La Liga matches to date. Atletico Madrid are usually happy enough to play out cagey matches away from home so don't expect a thriller. Under 2.5 goals to be scored is priced at 8/11 with Betfred.
This La Liga match between Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid will be played on Aug 31, 2024 and kick off at 18:00. Check below for our tipsters best Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
