SportsMall previews Saturday's La Liga clash between Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Atlético de Bilbao They will aim to bounce back from the defeat as they resume their La Liga campaign at home. Spanish Saturday afternoon.
Girona beat the Basque team 2-1 last time and finished sixth. LaLiga tableEspanyol is 14th in the division with 10 points from its first nine games.
Competition Preview
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Athletic have a record of four wins, two draws and three losses in their nine La Liga games this season to sit sixth in the division with a total of 14 points, three points behind fourth-placed Villarreal.
ErnestoValverdeThey went on a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions before the international break against Girona.
It looked like the points would be shared. Selva Sanchet Cancellation of an opening match Yasser AspirilaBut a penalty in the 99th minute Christian Stuani The three points secured for Girona.
Athletic have taken eight points from their five home league games this season and will host Espanyol with one point in La Liga away games in 2024-25.
The lions have won two of their last three league games against Espanyol, but the last meeting between the two teams at San Mamés was a 1-0 victory in September 2022.
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Espanyol returned to Spain's top flight through the 2023-24 Second Division playoffs, and is looking to reintegrate into this level of football in 2024-25.
The Catalan team has a record of three wins, one draw and five losses in its nine league games this season, which places it in 14th place in the division with 10 points, four points outside the relegation zone.
Manolo GonzalezReal Madrid suffered three consecutive defeats against Villarreal and Real Betis at the end of October, but managed a 2-1 victory over Mallorca before the international break.
Marash Kumbulla AND Joffrey Carreras They were on the scoreboard against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, and the blue and white are looking for consecutive victories in Spain's top flight for the second time this season.
Athletic Bilbao La Liga format:
Athletic Bilbao format (all matches):
Spanish La Liga format:
Group messages
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Athletics should do a test. Nico WilliamsThe Spanish star is unlikely to start this weekend as he battles to overcome a muscle problem.
Sanchet is a doubt due to a hamstring problem Alex Padilla, Yere Alvarez AND Yours Simon Definitely out for the Lions.
Meanwhile, Athletic is left without a player due to suspension on Saturday Iter Parades They were relegated in the last minute against Girona.
miguel vesca However, a return to the team and a return between the sticks could be necessary for the club's number two goalkeeper. Julan AkirezabalaSuspended before the international break.
As for Espanyol, Take Exposed Missing due to long-term knee problem Leandro Cabrera It is hoped that he will not appear again due to a leg problem.
However, the Catalans hope to recover their top scorer this season Javi Puato I am facing a late fitness test due to a knee problem.
Puato has scored three goals in the League this season and there is hope that he can be on the field at the first whistle with the same attack that started against Mallorca.
Possible starting lineup for Athletic Bilbao:
Authorized; De Marcos, Vivian, Legue, Poirot; Yu Gómez, Ruiz de Coloreta, Herrera; Williams, Crucetta and Berenger
Espanyol's probable starting eleven:
Garcia; El Hilali, Gómez, Cumbulla, Romero; Gragera, Lozano; Carreras, Krall, Cardona; Suitcase
We say: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Espanyol
Athletic are missing some key players this weekend and Espanyol are certainly capable of making this an embarrassing match for the home team. However, the Lions can still count on great quality and we're backing them to get the three points on Saturday afternoon.
Click here to see data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match.
