Athletic Bilbao are on a four-match winning streak in La Liga. But will our algorithm predict a fifth straight victory for the Basque club?
On Saturday, Athletic Bilbao will travel to the Mestalla to face off with Valencia. The Lions will begin round No. 21 in third place.
#VCFCelta 🦇🔵⚽ 1-3 | Full-time #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/5z7zxN0JyB— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) January 17, 2024
#VCFCelta 🦇🔵⚽ 1-3 | Full-time #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/5z7zxN0JyB
It has been a dream start to the La Liga campaign for Athletic Bilbao, who are in the running for qualification to next season’s Champions League.
Valencia will aim to upend the Lions at the Mestalla to improve their chances of qualifying for Europe next term.
Valencia are eighth in the La Liga standings and nine points off the top five. Los Che are also on a strong run of form, with their last three La Liga matches ending in wins.
Athletic posted a record of 3W-2D-1L against Valencia in their last six head-to-head matches.
In the teams’ reverse fixture, played in October, Athletic Bilbao raced out to a 1-0 lead thanks to a first-half goal from Oscar de Marcos.
However, Valencia were able to equalise in the second half thanks to a goal from Fran Perez. The visitors then went ahead through Hugo Duro.
Valencia looked set to win the match, but Athletic Bilbao’s Alex Berenguer scored in the 96th minute to give the team a share of the spoils.
Valencia have played well recently at home, going unbeaten in their last five matches at the Mestalla.
Defensively, Valencia conceded just five goals in their opening nine home matches. Athletic Bilbao may find it difficult to break down Valencia's defence.
Athletic Bilbao went unbeaten in their last four away fixtures. Two of those four games were draws. The Lions have played well defensively away from home, conceding just eight goals in nine away games.
Manager Ernesto Valverde is doing wonders at Athletic Club. He will be without striker Inaki Williams for the fixture. Williams is tied with teammate Gorka Guruzeta for the stats lead in goals for Athletic, with eight.
Williams is on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Midfielder Dani Garcia could also miss the game following a thigh muscle injury.
Valencia manager Ruben Baraja will be without Selim Amallah and Mouctar Diakhaby. Both are away at the AFCON tournament.
Roman Yaremchuk and Hugo Gonzalez are both doubts due to an illness. Andre Almeida could also miss the game following a back injury.
Like the teams’ fixture played earlier this season, Saturday’s game should finish in a draw, with the score prediction being 1-1. The result could hamper Athletic’s fight for the top four.