Athletic Bilbao continue their push for a Champions League finish as they host Alaves in a La Liga fixture on Saturday. Bilbao have been mostly imperious at home this season and should be too strong for their visitors, who are looking out of sorts at the moment.
Athletic Bilbao are coming off a 2-0 victory at Las Palmas in their previous La Liga fixture. Gorka Guruzeta opened the scoring before the break while a second half own-goal from Saul Coco sealed the win.
Bilbao have been in particularly good form in recent weeks as they are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches. That run has been driven by a sturdy defence that has kept seven clean sheets.
Home form has been pivotal to Athletic Bilbao's solid campaign so far and they are currently unbeaten in their last 13 La Liga matches. Ernesto Valverde’s men have claimed 10 wins in that run.
Alaves were also victorious last time out in La Liga as they triumphed 1-0 over Rayo Vallecano. Andoni Gorosabel’s effort just before the break was enough to earn them all three points.
That was a much needed win for Alaves, who have found things difficult in recent weeks. They had been winless in five straight La Liga matches, although there is no present relegation threat for Luis Garcia’s men, who sit 13th on the standings.
Alaves have actually fared much better on their travels in recent weeks, with just one defeat in their last five matches. However, that defeat came in their previous away fixture as they were beaten 1-0 at Osasuna.
How the bookies view it
Athletic Bilbao are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 4/7 by Coral. An unlikely victory for Alaves is valued at 6/1 by Paddy Power while a draw is set at odds of 3/1 by Unibet.
Head to head
Athletic Bilbao have a 14-6 advantage with eight draws from 28 previous matches against Alaves. Bilbao have also beaten their visitors twice this season, earning a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture in September before claiming a similar result in the Copa Del Rey in January.
Players to watch
Gorka Guruzeta’s effort last time out took his tally to 11 goals for Athletic Bilbao this season and the forward could be backed to maintain his scoring run at 15/8 with Unibet. Inaki William has nine goals and having found the net in the reverse fixture could be worth keeping an eye on at 21/10 with Unibet.
Athletic Bilbao have also been solid at the back, keeping clean sheets in their last three matches. Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes have been pivotal in that run and can help the hosts to another clean sheet at 17/20 with William Hill.
Anything else catch the eye?
Athletic Bilbao won to nil in the two meetings with Alaves this season and could be set for a repeat at 13/10 with BetVictor. Given their attacking quality, they could be backed in the -1 handicap market at 8/5 with BoyleSports.
Bilbao scored in both halves in the two meetings with Alaves this season and Saturday’s clash could be set for a similar pattern at 9/5 with William Hill.
This La Liga match between Athletic Bilbao and Alaves will be played on Mar 16, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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