Athletic Bilbao vs Girona Preview: Team News & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club could really now do with a performance and a result as the Basque giants welcome a Girona side in crisis to San Mames during this midweek.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Athletic Bilbao vs Girona may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Athletic Bilbao preview: A bad week
Having started the 2025/26 La Liga season with three successive victories in August, Athletic Club have returned from the September international break with three defeats across all competitions, continuing with a loss at the weekend.
They were beaten by Alaves by a goal to nil in a Basque derby and then easily beaten 2-0 by Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League before a disappointing 2-0 loss to Valencia at Mestalla the other day.
Girona preview: A bad year
Ever since finishing third and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League in the 2023/24 season, Girona majorly regressed last year and continued poor off-field decision-making has led to the Catalans now being in a crisis.
Michel’s side have started their La Liga season by collecting just a solitary point in their opening five matches. They come into this one on the back of a 4-0 annihilation at the hands of previously winless and newly-promoted Levante at Montilivi at the weekend.
Athletic Bilbao team news: Dani Vivian suspended
Following that aforementioned red card against Valencia, Dani Vivian is now missing through suspension for the hosts. They also have key injury absentees, such as Nico Williams.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Jesus Areso, Aitor Paredes, Laporte, Yuri Berchiche; Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar; Robert Navarro, Oihan Sancet, Alex Berenguer; Inaki Williams
Unavailable: Alex Padilla (Suspended), Dani Vivian (Suspended), Yeray (Disciplinary), Unai Egiluz (Injured), Benat Prados (Injured), Nico Williams (Injured)
Questionable:
Girona team news: Key suspensions
In that 4-0 hammering at the hands of Levante, both Vitor Reis and Axel Witsel were sent off for Girona as they were reduced to nine men and so now both are missing through suspension
Predicted XI (4-5-1): Paulo Gazzaniga; Arnau Martinez, Hugo Rincon, Blind, Alex Moreno; Yaser Asprilla, Ivan Martin, Jhon Solis, Ounahi, Joel Roca; Vanat
Unavailable: Juan Carlos (Injured), David Lopez (Injured), Reis (Suspended), Witsel (Suspended), Ricard Artero (Injured), Lemar (Injured)
Questionable:
Athletic Bilbao vs Girona prediction
Athletic Club have a lot of talent at their disposal, with Aymeric Laporte now expected to come into the side for his first start since rejoining the club. Their performances were, though, unconvincing even when they were winning a few weeks ago. They now do face a Girona side that are in disarray and, albeit at the time of writing Michel remains in charge, but he could well depart the club by the time of this match. Athletic, especially at San Mames, should ease to victory.
Athletic Bilbao vs Girona tip: Athletic Bilbao to win
