Athletic Bilbao host troubled Granada in a Friday night La Liga fixture as they look to maintain their push for a top four finish. Home form has been pivotal for Bilbao this season and they should be too strong for Granada, who are struggling at the moment.
This season can already be counted as a successful one for Athletic Bilbao, who ended their 40 year wait for a trophy by winning the Copa Del Rey. Sitting four points off the top four, there is still a chance for a cherry on top as they remain in the hunt to secure Champions League football.
Athletic Bilbao were held to a 1-1 draw with Villarreal last time out in La Liga with Oihan Sancet’s effort cancelled out by a late penalty. That result means Ernesto Valverde’s men are unbeaten in six of their last seven matches across all competitions.
San Mames Barria has been a fortress for Athletic Bilbao, who have only been beaten at home by leaders Real Madrid all season. They head into Friday’s clash with eight wins from their last 10 home matches, keeping six clean sheets in that run.
It has been a difficult campaign for Granada, who have spent the entire season mired in the relegation zone. With seven matches left to play, things are looking increasingly bleak as they sit 11 points from safety.
Granada showed some fight last time out as they claimed a 2-0 victory over Alaves with Myrto Uzuni and Lucas Boye getting the goals. However, that was the first win for Jose Ramon Sandoval’s men after a run of five straight defeats.
Things have been difficult for Granada on their travels as they are winless in their last 10 matches, suffering nine defeats in that run. Goals have also been hard to come by as they have failed to score in seven matches in that run.
How the bookies view it
Athletic Bilbao have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 1/4 by William Hill. An unlikely victory for Granada is valued at 12/1 by Coral, while William Hill is offering odds of 5/1 for a draw.
Head to head
Athletic Bilbao and Granada have claimed eight wins each with five draws from 21 previous meetings. Both teams played out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture back in December.
Players to watch
Gorka Guruzeta is the leading scorer for Athletic Bilbao with 13 La Liga goals and will be the one to watch on Tuesday. The forward has also found the net five times in the last eight matches and is priced at 5/4 with Unibet to maintain his scoring run.
Athletic Bilbao have also impressed at the back, keeping six clean sheets in their last eight home matches with Aitor Paredes and Dani Vivian playing pivotal roles. Given Granada's scoring problems on their travels, both men will be confident of leading Bilbao to a clean sheet at 3/4 with Coral.
Anything else catch the eye?
Athletic Bilbao are often solid at the back and could be backed to earn a win to nil at 19/20 with Coral. Given their multiple attacking threats, a -1 handicap could also be considered at 3/4 with 888Sport.
Bilbao are expected to be dominant on Friday and could be backed to win both halves at 13/8 by William Hill.
This La Liga match between Athletic Bilbao and Granada will be played on Apr 19, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Athletic Bilbao vs Granada prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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