2020-21 Spanish Primera – Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao kick off? Tuesday 22nd December, 2020 – 21:00 (UK)
Where is Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao being played? Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal
Where can I get tickets for Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao? No tickets are available as these matches are being played without spectators
What TV channel is Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao on in the UK? This match will be televised live on LaLigaTV (Sky channel 435, Virgin channel 554) for those with a Premier Sport subscription
Where can I stream Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao in the UK? Premier Sport subscribers in the UK can stream the match live via a Premier Player subscription
bet365 customers may be able to stream this match live via their website and you can check their schedule here
THE PREDICTION
Unai Emery’s impressive Villarreal are launching a title race. They will have Europa League football from February onwards but their squad is deceptively big as it is. A Villarreal league title win would be unlikely but, week-by-week, they get taken more seriously. A 3-1 win away to an admittedly poor Osasuna extended their unbeaten run to 16 matches in all competitions. Athletic had a 2-0 win last time out against Huesca in a game they probably shaded but a Huesca red card, Athletic penalty and late clincher wasn’t necessarily convincing. A victory for Villarreal would be huge but their lack of victories so far this season is what has hurt them - only Huesca have drawn more games than them. However, their underlying data is encouraging to suggest this isn’t a flash in the pan whilst Athletic’s xG and xGA being less than their goals scored and conceded highlight an inconsistency reflected throughout their campaign. Villarreal to win and under 3.5 goals looks a value bet.
