Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao predictions, H2H and match preview for this Sunday’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups ahead of this all Basque affair.
DATE/TIME – Sunday 21st October 2018, 16:15 (Spanish Time)
STADIUM – Ipurua
COMPETITION – La Liga
Both these sides have already played Basque derbies this season with very different outcomes. Eibar got one over on neighbours Real Sociedad again when they visited Ipurua in August. Athletic though were on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline when they hosted La Real just before the international break and they will be determined to get back on track here.
Athletic are without a win since the opening day when they scored late to beat Leganes and it hasn’t exactly been a dream start for Eduardo Berizzo. They have been attempting to play in a more positive fashion but some pretty shambolic defending has let them down at times, particularly in the Sociedad clash. They do have a decent record against Eibar though with victories in 4 of the last 5 meetings.
It is Eibar that are currently 3 points and 5 places better off than their Basque rivals though. They were 3-2 winners at Girona just before the international break and they seem to be finding their stride a bit now. Their approach hasn’t radically changed and they will be certain to get lots of crosses into the box here but the return of Inigo Martinez is certainly good news for Athletic and it should help them deal with Eibar’s aerial threat.
At the other end Athletic are still trying to find the right balance. 37 year old Aritz Aduriz has yet to score this term and hasn’t been a guaranteed starter but Inaki Williams has only netted once with attacking midfielder Iker Muniain their biggest goal threat so far.
Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions
Score Prediction: 2-1 Athletic
Athletic should be able to field their strongest eleven or very close to it here and their positive memories of trips to this ground should stand them in good stead. Their performances have been a bit better than their results suggest and this could just be the day where they land their second win of the season with Eibar not convincing at home so far this term.
Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao H2H
- Last 6 meetings: 4 Athletic Wins, 1 Eibar Win, 1 Draw
- Athletic won this fixture 1-0 last term but could only draw the game at San Mames.
- Athletic have won 4 of the last 5 overall.
- Eibar have only ever won 1 game against Athletic in the league, in August 2015 at Ipurua.
One to Watch – Iker Munaian
Muniain. The passion!! ? pic.twitter.com/9x1uzhmkIc
— Athletic Club UK (@AthleticClubUK) August 20, 2018
Iker Munaian looks to be finally over his injury problems and has been one of the few bright lights for Athletic this term with 3 goals.
Keep tabs on all our La Liga predictions this weekend.
Next Up – Huesca vs Espanyol predictions
Predicted Line Ups
Eibar Team:
Dmitrovic – Cote, Ramis, Arbilla, Pena – Blasis, Diop, Jordan, Orellana – Enrich, Charles (4-4-2)
Athletic Bilbao Team:
Simon – Marcos, Alvarez, Martinez, Yuri – Garcia, Garcia, Munain – Williams, Aduriz, Susaeta (4-3-3)
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