Athletic Bilbao vs Eibar predictions, H2H and match preview for this Saturday’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis, betting tips and predicted line-ups for this big Basque derby.
DATE/TIME – Saturday 23rd February, 21:00 (Spanish Time)
STADIUM – San Mames
COMPETITION – La Liga
#AthleticEibar
This Basque derby has become a regular fixture on the Primera Division calendar in recent years. Despite a few alarms earlier in the campaign, it now looks highly likely that both Eibar and Athletic Bilbao will be meeting again next term. They’ve been fairly evenly matched over the course of Eibar’s stay in the top flight and that is the case again this year with the smaller Basque side only a point and two places above their larger neighbours.
Athletic have tended to have the better of the meetings though, particularly at San Mames. It is a stadium that is starting to feel much more like home again now after a rocky 18 months or so. Home performances like the ones they put in against Sevilla and Barcelona point towards a much more dynamic and perhaps aggressive Athletic side and that is really helping them engage their passionate fanbase again.
Eibar will provide a genuine test here. They’ve blown hot and cold a bit this season but did well to fight back from 2-0 down to draw with Getafe last time out and have La Liga’s most in-form striker in the shape of Charles Dias. The 34 year old is in the midst of a stunning goalscoring streak that has seen him race up to 4th in La Liga’s goalscoring charts. Only Messi, Suarez and Stuani can better his return of 12 goals.
With Athletic now looking a bit more physical, this has the potential to be quite a feisty derby clash between two sides that will think they have a shot at reaching the Europa League positions.
Athletic Club vs Eibar Predictions
Score Prediction: 2-1 Athletic Bilbao
Betting Tip: Both Teams to Score @ 2.05 with Spin Palace Sports (18+)
This could be more open than people are expecting. The pace of Inaki Williams will pose problems for this Eibar defence but the visitors have scored twice or more in each of their last 5 matches and there should be a goal in this for them too. It’s a tough one to call but home advantage may just sway things in Athletic’s favour.
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Athletic Bilbao vs Eibar H2H
- Last 6 meetings: 4 Athletic Wins, 2 Draws.
- Eibar have never won at San Mames (5 visits this decade).
- They’ve only won 1 of the 9 league meetings between the clubs.
- The reverse fixture ended 1-1 in October.
One to Watch – Inaki Williams
Iñaki Williams sounded out by English and Italian clubs in last month’s window https://t.co/MEuNkIwUAu #AthleticClub pic.twitter.com/I2HDlRazBr
— AS English (@English_AS) February 13, 2019
Inaki Williams was a player who certainly lost his way for a while with that long, long home goal drought. However when he is at his best and playing with confidence, he is a real thrill to watch and he should lead the line for the hosts here.
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Predicted Line Ups
Athletic Club Team:
Herrerin – Capa, Alvarez, Martinez, Yuri – Dani Garcia, Etxebarria – Marcos, Raul Garcia, Muniain – Williams (4-2-3-1)
Eibar Team:
Dmitrovic – Cote, Arbilla, Ramis, Pena – Cucurella, Diop, Jordan, Orellana – Enrich, Charles (4-4-2)
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