Athletic Bilbao welcome Alaves to San Mames for a Spanish La Liga fixture on Saturday. The visitors have endured a mixed start to the season and are set for another tough task against Bilbao, who have been perfect so far.
Athletic Bilbao have made a strong start to the season, winning all three of their La Liga matches so far. They claimed a 2-1 victory at Real Betis in their previous fixture in the league.
The Basque club are back at San Mames, which is generally considered a fortress. Ernesto Valverde’s men have won five of their last six La Liga matches on home soil and will be feeling confident heading into Saturday's clash.
In contrast to Athletic Bilbao’s fine start, Alaves have struggled to get going this season. Eduardo Coudet’s men have earned just one win this season, a 2-1 home victory over Levante in their opening fixture.
Alaves travel to San Mames winless in their last two La Liga matches and playing a 1-1 home draw with Atletico Madrid in their previous fixture. They also have a poor record on their travels and are without a win in seven of their last nine away matches in the league.
How the bookies view it: Bilbao highly fancied
Athletic Bilbao have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 8/15 by BoyleSports to claim the win. An unlikely victory for Alaves is valued at 5/1, while a draw is set at odds of 14/5.
Head to head: Bilbao on top
Athletic Bilbao have a 17-7 advantage with eight draws from 32 previous matches against Alaves. The last meeting between both teams ended in a 1-0 victory in favour of the hosts.
Players to watch: Eyes on Sancet
Oihan Sancet was the top scorer for Athletic Bilbao last season with 17 goals and is already off the mark this term. The midfielder could be worth keeping an eye on (Oihan Sancet anytime goalscorer – priced at 2/1 with BoyleSports).
Carlos Vicente struck the equaliser for Alaves against Atletico Madrid and could be the one to watch. The forward will be keen on going on a scoring run (Carlos Vicente anytime goalscorer – valued at 11/2).
Probable line-ups:
Athletic Bilbao could start with Unai Simon in between the sticks, with Daniel Vivian and Aitor Paredes in the heart of defence. Mikel Jauregizar and Benat Prados Diaz should play in midfield, while Inaki Williams, Sancet and Sannadi are expected to deliver the goals.
For Alaves, goalkeeper Antonio Sivera should keep his place, with Víctor Parada coming in for Moussa Diarra, who started their last match. Carlos Alena and Pablo Ibanez are expected in midfield, with Martinez, Vincente and Jon Guridi in attack.
Athletic Bilbao: Simon, Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche, Jauregizar, Prados Diaz, Williams, Sanchet, Berenguer, Sannadi
Alaves: Sivera, Jonny Otto, Garces, Tenaglia, Parada, Alena, Blanco, Ibanez, Guridi, Martinez, Vincente
Anything else catch the eye?
Athletic Bilbao have scored over 1.5 goals in two of their three league matches this season (Athletic Bilbao over 1.5 goals – offered at 4/5 with BoyleSports). There have been more goals after the break in their three matches so far (Second half most goals – available at 21/20).
Given the minimal odds for a straight Athletic Bilbao victory, a win and over 1.5 goals offers more value (Athletic Bilbao win & over 1.5 goals – set at Evens).
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