Athletic Bilbao vs Levante Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Athletic Club earned themselves some much-needed respite in midweek as they now welcome an improving Levante side to San Mames in the Basque Country.
Kick-off date/time:
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Athletic Bilbao preview: In the cup semis
Coached by Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club head into this one on the back of a dramatic victory in the Copa del Rey in midweek. The Basque giants saw off Valencia at Mestalla by two goals to one, courtesy of a last-gasp winner scored by Inaki Williams, assisted by his brother, Nico.
The pair have not been guilt-free in what has been an underwhelming campaign for Athletic, with elimination at the league phase from the UEFA Champions League combined with an underperformance in the league. However, their midweek cup exploits have certainly helped the mood at San Mames.
Levante preview: Improving Levante
Following promotion to La Liga last season, Levante have experienced a turbulent campaign in which good performances at the start of this season failed to line up with the results, eventually leading to the departure of manager Julian Calero.
Ever since the appointment of former Nantes boss Luis Castro, Levante have been improved once again with a bit more effectiveness, too, with a goalless draw at home to Atletico Madrid in their most recent outing further signs of that progress.
Athletic Bilbao team news: Yeray is back
Yeray Alvarez has been banned for doping throughout this season but he has returned, which is well timed because fellow centre-back Dani Vivian is now an injury issue.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Jesus Areso, Aitor Paredes, Laporte, Yuri Berchiche; Mikel Jauregizar, Alejandro Rego; Alex Berenguer, Unai Gomez, Nico Williams; Gorka Guruzeta
Unavailable: Unai Egiluz (Injured), Benat Prados (Injured), Oihan Sancet (Injured), Maroan Sannadi (Injured)
Questionable: Dani Vivian (Injured)
Levante team news: A few doubts
Matias Moreno is a doubt due to concussion and Levante have plenty of other injury doubts, too, such as Diego Pampin and midfielder Victor Garcia.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Toljan, Dela, Nacho Perez, Matturro; Pablo Martinez, Jon Olasagasti; Tunde, Carlos Alvarez, Iker Losada; Ivan Romero
Unavailable: Brugui (Injured)
Questionable: Matias Moreno (Concussion), Diego Pampin (Injured), Unai Elgezabal (Injured), Victor Garcia (Injured)
Athletic Bilbao vs Levante prediction
Ernesto Valverde is always keen to remind people this and Athletic's focus is and always should be on La Liga. However, with a cup semi-final on the horizon, distraction would surely be forgiven. Levante head to the Basque Country in improved form despite still being certain for relegation and they will fancy themselves to bloody the nose of the Basque giants on Saturday afternoon.
Athletic Bilbao vs Levante tip: Levante to score one or more goal
