Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano Betting Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano on and what time does it start? Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano will take place on Saturday 2nd December, 2023 – 15:15 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano on in the UK? Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano in the UK? Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Coached by former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club have been very impressive and entertaining to watch this season as they challenge for a top six finish and a return to European football for next season. The Basque club come into this one on the back of a 1-1 draw in Catalonia against high-flying, Girona, last week.
Their 14 matches so far this season have consisted of a combined total of 44 goals with 26 scored and 18 conceded as they, like Girona, become the league’s entertainers. They are now on a four-match unbeaten run of form and have suffered just two defeats since losing to Real Madrid at San Mames on the opening day of the season.
RAYO VALLECANO
Francisco has performed above expectation so far this season with a Rayo side that had off-field issues, as ever, and the loss of several key men able to stabilise and even potentially, once again, look upwards towards the top seven. They begin the match day sitting in the top-half of the table but have been halted by three draws and a defeat in their last four matches.
Playing in a typically intense manner, as was the case under Andoni Iraola, Rayo have remained entertaining to watch this season. Avoiding relegation remains the primary goal but they will want to get a victory on the board sooner rather than later as they have won just one of their last nine matches in La Liga.
THE TEAM NEWS
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Athletic have a couple of injury concerns for the visit of Rayo with Yeray Alvarez remaining unavailable, whilst Dani Garcia is also injured.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; de Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Lekue; Ruiz de Galarreta, Vesga; I.Williams, Sancet, N.Williams; Guruzeta
UNAVAILABLE: Dani Garcia (Injured), Yeray (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
RAYO VALLECANO
Francisco has a fully fit and available squad for this weekend’s trip to the Basque Country as they have no injury concerns or suspension issues.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Dimitrievski; Balliu, Mumin, Lejeune, Espino; Palazon, Lopez, Valentin, de Frutos; Camello, Trejo
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Athletic are one of the stronger in what does appear, at least in relative terms, to be a fairly weak La Liga this season. The Basque club will not be ruling out a tilt at the top four, despite sitting six points behind Barcelona at the moment. They face a Rayo side that could perhaps be overrated by some given their league position but the fact they have won just once in the league since mid-September will be cause for concern. So, given that as well as their home advantage, an Athletic win looks the way to go for this one.
BETTING TIP: ATHLETIC CLUB TO WIN
