Athletic Bilbao will look to continue their push for a place in Europe next season as they host Levante in a Monday night La Liga fixture. Levante have improved since changing managers but Bilbao are usually solid at home and should have the advantage here.
Athletic Bilbao have lost their only chance of silverware this season after crashing out in the semi-final of the Copa Del Rey. They are seven points off the top six in La Liga and will now turn their full attention to finishing in the European places.
Marcelino’s men are coming off a 4-0 defeat to resurgent Barcelona in their previous La Liga fixture. However, they had been in good form prior to that defeat and are unbeaten in five of their last seven matches, claiming four wins in that run.
Athletic Bilbao have been in good form at home where they have won three of their last four La Liga matches. A 3-2 victory over third placed Real Betis is among their results in that run while they also won 4-0 over Real Sociedad in their previous home fixture.
Although Levante are rooted to the bottom of the table, they have shown some improvement since manager Alessio Lisci took charge in December. They are no longer looking doomed and are now seven points from safety.
Levante travel to Bilbao off the back of two wins and a draw from their last three matches. They have beaten champions Atletico Madrid in that run and claimed a 3-0 victory over Elche in their previous La Liga fixture.
One problem that still persists for Levante is their poor record on their travels which has seen them claim just one away win all season. They have suffered some of their heaviest defeat on the road, including a 5-0 loss to Villarreal.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have Athletic Bilbao as overwhelming favourites with a home win priced at 4/7 with SBK. A victory for Levante is valued at 11/2 by William Hill while Unibet is offering odds of 13/4 for a draw.
Recent head to head
Athletic Bilbao and Levante have played out four straight regulation time draws, including a 0-0 scoreline in the reverse fixture back in November. However, Bilbao often come out on top at San Mames Barria and have won three of the last four home meetings.
Players to watch
Inaki William often leads the line for Athletic Bilbao and is a safe pick to score anytime at 13/8 with Paddy Power. Oihan Sancet could also be worth keeping an eye on in the same market at 39/20 with Unibet having scored in his last three matches at San Mames Barria.
Levante’s upturn in form appears to have coincided with Jose Luis Morales rediscovering his scoring touch. The forward now has seven La Liga goals this season and is priced at 11/2 by Unibet to get on the score sheet on Monday.
Anything else catch the eye?
Athletic Bilbao and Levante have shown little defensive solidity lately and given the quality in their attacks, both teams could be backed to score at evens with Unibet. There have been over 2.5 goals in Levante’s last four home matches and a repeat is valued at 10/11 with 10bet.
Given the minimal odds for a straight Athletic Bilbao victory, a win and over 2.5 goals offers more value at 6/4 with BoyleSports.
This La Liga match between Athletic Bilbao and Levante will be played on Mar 7, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Athletic Bilbao vs Levante prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
