Athletic Bilbao Faces Valencia in La Liga Showdown: Team News and Predictions
In an eagerly anticipated La Liga clash, Athletic Bilbao will host Valencia at the iconic San Mames on Wednesday, August 28. This matchup promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams as they seek to turn around their disappointing starts to the season.
Athletic Bilbao, having finished an impressive fifth in the league last season and clinching the Copa del Rey after a 40-year wait, entered this campaign with high expectations. However, their performance so far has been less than stellar. They have managed only one point from their opening two fixtures—starting with a 1-1 draw against Getafe and then suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Barcelona. Despite a promising display, including a goal from Oihan Sancet, they were undone by a late strike from Robert Lewandowski, extending their winless streak against Barcelona to ten matches.
Also Read:- The Onion Revives the Printing Press with a Hilarious Twist
- Nvidia Earnings and Bitcoin's Decline Create Uncertainty Across Global Markets
Returning to their fortress at San Mames, where they have been unbeaten in 19 La Liga matches since August 2023, Athletic Bilbao will look to harness their home advantage. Yet, they face several hurdles, including injuries to key players. Goalkeeper Unai Simon and defenders Aitor Paredes and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta remain sidelined. Additionally, Nico Williams, who picked up a muscular injury, is doubtful for the fixture. On a positive note, Álvaro Djalo’s recovery is progressing, and Julen Agirrezabala may make his first appearance of the season.
Valencia, on the other hand, has struggled significantly this season. After a season of battling relegation, their mid-table finish last term was a silver lining. However, the poor form that marred the end of their previous campaign has persisted. They have lost both of their opening matches—first a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona and then a 3-1 loss to Celta Vigo. This puts them at the bottom of the table, still searching for their first points of the season. Their current winless run in La Liga stretches to nine matches, with their last victory coming back in April.
In terms of team news, Valencia continues to be hampered by injuries, with key players like Jose Gaya, Mouctar Diakhaby, and Jaume Domenech unavailable. The ongoing transfer of Giorgi Mamardashvili to Liverpool, while ensuring his immediate return to Valencia on loan, adds another layer of uncertainty. New signing Luis Rioja might feature in the starting lineup after a debut as a substitute in the recent loss to Celta.
When it comes to predictions, Athletic Bilbao is favored to secure a win. Despite their own struggles, the home side’s form at San Mames and Valencia’s ongoing issues suggest a narrow victory for Bilbao. Our prediction leans towards a 2-1 win for Athletic Bilbao.
As both teams look to find their rhythm and rectify early-season woes, this clash at San Mames will be crucial. For Athletic Bilbao, it’s a chance to finally notch up a win and reignite their season, while Valencia desperately needs to turn their fortunes around and avoid slipping further into the relegation zone.
Read More:
0 Comments