Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal Preview: Team News & Prediction
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These two fought for UEFA Champions League qualification last season but they have diverged this time around as Athletic Club welcome Villarreal to San Mames.
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 any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Athletic Bilbao preview: Struggling Athletic
Athletic Club come into this one on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Getafe in their most recent outing at the Coliseum last weekend, due to goals from Luis Vazquez and then Martin Satriano at either end of the game.
The Basque giants have now succumbed to three defeats in their last four matches as they sit in the bottom-half with Ernesto Valverde having already announced that he will leave the club once again this summer.
Villarreal preview: Strong but forgettable
They now face a Villarreal side that, on the other hand, are set to secure UEFA Champions League qualification for a second successive campaign for the first time ever, albeit the Yellow Submarine are under a bit of pressure from underwhelmed supporters.
Their most recent outing didn't help matters as they succumbed to a slender 1-0 defeat to Girona at Montilivi in Catalonia last weekend due to a first-half stoppage-time own goal conceded by versatile defender Pau Navarro.
Athletic Bilbao team news: A few doubts
Athletic Club are dealing with a few key doubts for this one with defensive duo Aitor Paredes and Andoni Gorosabel potentially sidelined alongside midfielder Benat Prados.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Dani Vivian, Yeray, Laporte, Yuri Berchiche; Mikel Jauregizar, Alejandro Rego; Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams; Gorka Guruzeta
Unavailable:
Questionable: Aitor Paredes (Injured), Andoni Gorosabel (Injured), Benat Prados (Injured)
Villarreal team news: Fresh doubts
Villarreal have some fresh injury doubts for Villarreal this weekend as defender Rafa Marin is potentially sidelined alongside former Arsenal defensive midfielder Thomas Partey.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Junior; Santiago Mourino, Pau Navarro, Veiga, Alfonso; Pepe, Santi Comesana, Gueye, Alberto Moleiro; Gerard, Mikautadze
Unavailable: Foyth (Injured), Pau Cabanes (Injured)
Questionable: Rafa Marin (Injured), Costa (Injured), Partey (Injured)
Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal prediction
Villarreal have some of the lowest average possession stats in La Liga and many fans have been critical of the defensive and cautious approach of manager Marcelino, despite the fact it has brought about some good results. Athletic are declining quite quickly and fading towards the end of a forgettable and frustrating season so this may not be a great game for the neutral as neither side appear overly happy, albeit the visitors should be favourites.
Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal tip: Double chance - Villarreal to win or draw & under 3.5 goals
