Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao on and what time does it start? Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao will take place on Sunday 5th November, 2023 – 17:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao on in the UK? Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao in the UK? Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
VILLARREAL
Last season, Villarreal ended up finishing fifth in the table and qualifying for the group stages of the UEFA Europa League after Quique Setien had to replace Unai Emery. Setien never appeared the right for the club’s supporters or hierarchy so was soon sacked early this season but his replacement, Pacheta, has not improved the team at all.
The Yellow Submarine begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting in the bottom-half of the table with three victories, three draws and five defeats in their 11 matches so far this season. The hosts did earn a vital 3-2 victory away to struggling Granada in their most recent outing, last weekend, before a Copa del Rey win against Chiclana in midweek.
ATHLETIC BILBAO
The ‘cantera’ policy at Athletic Club means it is difficult for them to real push on to any new level ever as they restricted in who they can sign. However, it makes it even more remarkable that they have never been relegated and, as they will expect to do so once again this season, often challenge for the top seven and European qualification.
Under the management of former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club come into this on the back of a 2-2 draw with Valencia in their most recent outing last weekend. They began the season with a 2-0 defeat at home to Real Madrid but have since suffered just two defeats in nine matches since then.
THE TEAM NEWS
VILLARREAL
Villarreal have several injury concerns. Yeremy Pino, Denis Suarez and Francis Coquelin are all unavailable, whilst Alfonso Pedraza and Alexander Sorloth are doubts.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Jorgensen; Altimira, Albiol, Gabbia, Moreno; Akhomach, Parejo, Capoue, Baena; Gerard, Sorloth
UNAVAILABLE: Pino (Injured), Suarez (Injured), Coquelin (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Pedraza (Injured), Sorloth (Injured)
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Ernesto Valverde has question marks over both Nico Williams and Yuri Berchiche, whilst both Yeray Alvarez and Ander Herrera are unavailable for this weekend.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; de Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Garcia de Albeniz; Ruiz de Galarreta, Garcia; I.Williams, Sancet, N.Williams; Guruzeta
UNAVAILABLE: Herrera (Injured), Yeray (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Williams (Injured), Berchiche (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Athletic Club are aiming to break back into the top seven and qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League at a minimum. If they are to do that then they will need at least one team from last year to slip away and that could well be Villarreal. Their second manager of the season already under pressure, dramatic and hard-fought victories against newly-promoted strugglers, like last weekend, is hardly going to impact upon them too much. Athletic will go to El Madrigal and really believe that they can get over the line in this one so a double chance bet in favour of the Basque club looks the way to go.
BETTING TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – ATHLETIC TO WIN OR DRAW
