Athletic Bilbao will take on Sevilla on Sunday, 29 September with the home team looking to move into the top four with a victory.
The home team have made an impressive start to the season and there is a sense that their Copa del Rey win last season has taken them to new heights.
Sevilla, meanwhile, are still well below their previous high standards but they are at least now moving in the right direction.
How the bookies view it: Athletic edge the odds
Sevilla are yet to win an away match this season so it's not a shock that they are the underdogs coming into this match. Athletic Bilbao's odds are perhaps a little longer than expected, though, with Betfred pricing a home win at 7/10. Meanwhile, a win for Sevilla has been priced at 18/5 and the draw has been priced at 3/1.
Recent head-to-head: Success for both teams
The recent record between Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla illustrates that neither team has a psychological advantage over the other. Although Athletic Club did the double over Sevilla last season, they had gone four matches without a win over them prior to that.
What is also interesting is the lack of draws in this fixture. Only one of the last eight meetings between the two clubs has ended level.
Players to watch: The return of Nico
Nico Williams is the star of this Athletic Bilbao team and therefore, they do miss him when he doesn't play. The 22-year-old became a household name over the summer thanks to his brilliant performances for Spain at Euro 2024 and the pressure is now on him to produce for his club.
Williams was expected to move to Barcelona this summer but the move broke down late on which can perhaps explain his slow start to the season for Athletic. He has only scored one goal and provided one assist but the mini-break he has just had due to injury may have given him the opportunity to clear his head and get ready to perform at 100% again.
Sevilla also have a player who is feeling the pressure but for different reasons. Kelechi Iheanacho signed for the club this summer and would have been hoping to get off to a quick start but he is yet to score for his new club. Could Sunday be the day?
Predicted line-ups
As mentioned, Nico Williams is expected to return from the start following a recent injury and his brother, Inaki, is expected to play on the other side. Sevilla have a severe injury list for this one with several key players such as Jesus Navas and Saul Niguez ruled out.
Athletic Bilbao: Agirrezabala – De Marcos, Paredens, Vivian, Boiro – Prados, Galarreta – I.Williams, Sancet, N.Williams – Guruzeta
Sevilla: Nyland – Montiel, Bade, Salas, Barco – Agoume, Gudelj – Ejuke, Fernandez, Lukebakio – Iheanacho
Anything else catch the eye?
Athletic Bilbao have been involved in some high-scoring matches in recent weeks with a total of 11 goals being scored across their last three matches. Sevilla are perhaps a little more cautious but their last two matches have both produced three goals. Over 2.5 goals to be scored on Sunday has been priced at 10/11 by Betfred.
This La Liga match between Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla will be played on Sep 29, 2024 and kick off at 15:15. Check below for our tipsters best Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
