Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal on and what time does it start? Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal will take place on Sunday 14th April, 2024 – 17:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal on in the UK? Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal 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 Villarreal in the UK? Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
ATHLETIC BILBAO
It was a historic and famous night for Athletic Club last weekend as they won the Copa del Rey for the first time in over 40 years at La Cartuja in Seville. They went behind to Real Mallorca after 21 minutes via Dani Rodriguez before Oihan Sancet equalised early on in the second-half. Then they edged past the Balearic Islanders on penalties.
The hosts, coached by former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, has produced an impressive and entertaining style of football that is still chasing and on the hunt for a top four finish and potential UEFA Champions League qualification. They have scored 50 goals in their 30 matches so far this season.
VILLARREAL
It has been a really underwhelming season for Villarreal with the Yellow Submarine underperforming throughout the campaign. Former Marseille and Valencia boss Marcelino, who is their third manager of the campaign after the sackings of both Quique Setien and Pacheta, has improved them domestically as they move into the top-half of the table ahead of this weekend.
However, they went into the March international break on the back of an aggregate defeat to Marseille in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League. They had suffered just one loss in ten matches across all competitions before then losing 2-1 to Atletico Madrid a couple off weeks ago at El Madrigal.
THE TEAM NEWS
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Athletic Club have just one unavailable player for this weekend’s visit of Villarreal as midfielder Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta is missing through suspension.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Herrera, Prados; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta
UNAVAILABLE: Ruiz de Galarreta (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE:
VILLARREAL
Pepe Reina and Francis Coquelin are among those sidelined through injury, whilst Eric Bailly, Juan Foyth and Denis Suarez are all doubtful for this one, too.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Jorgensen; Mosquera, Albiol, Mandi, Cuenca; Capoue, Parejo, Comesana; Gerard, Sorloth, Goncalo Guedes
UNAVAILABLE: Coquelin (Injured), Reina (Injured), Terrats (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Bailly (Injured), Foyth (Injured), Suarez (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Ernesto Valverde has cultivated an electric and entertaining Athletic side that are seeking to ensure this season is as historic and famous as it can possibly be. The Basque club have already claimed silverware but are now in the pursuit of a top four finish. Villarreal, as mentioned, are in much-improved form of late and they are still in the hunt for potential UEFA Europa Conference League qualification. This one has the potential to be a genuine thriller at San Mames and both teams scoring looks a good bet for this one.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
