Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol predictions, H2H and match preview for this Friday’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis, betting tips and predicted line-ups as the Basque giants close in on a Europa League position.
DATE/TIME – Friday 8th March, 21:00 (Spanish Time)
STADIUM – San Mames
COMPETITION – La Liga
#AthleticEspanyol
This Friday’s clash at San Mames features two sides that are currently level on points. Athletic are the side who are perhaps more likely to finish the campaign higher up however a lack of goals has been a problem for them. Espanyol have found an extra gear in recent weeks though and look to be over their mid-season slump.
They do have some serious difficulties here though. Top scorer Borja Iglesias is suspended for this one. He has been integral to their season with 11 goals in La Liga, 8 more than any other Espanyol player. They will most likely compensate for that by moving Wu Lei across to be the central striker here. The Chinese international opened his account last time out and does look to be a player capable of succeeding in Spain.
The absence of Sergi Darder, also to suspension, is a further blow to Espanyol. That should make it easier for Athletic to win the midfield battle. They are the second lowest scorers in the division and they could do with a bit more firepower or at least variety in their game. Ibai Gomez hasn’t made a huge impact since joining in January while Iker Muniain hasn’t been at his best either of late.
Victory for either side will ease any remaining relegation fears and would move them up several places towards the European positions so the prize for the winners is big and both sides will believe they can get the result.
Athletic Club vs Espanyol Predictions
Score Prediction: 2-1 Athletic
Betting Tip: Athletic Win @ 20/27 with Spin Palace Sports (18+)
Overall, Athletic should have the edge here. The suspensions of Darder and Iglesias are significant ones and leave Espanyol missing two of their most important players. They have been very reliant on Borja Iglesias in particular and with Athletic going well at home again, they look capable of winning this one.
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Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol H2H
- Last 6 meetings: 3 Espanyol Wins, 1 Athletic Win, 2 Draws.
- Espanyol have won the last two meetings 1-0.
- However Athletic have won 3 of the last 5 at home to Espanyol.
- All of the last 5 meetings have produced 2 or fewer goals.
One to Watch – Raul Garcia
Raúl García: «no pienso en la retirada. Me gustaría estar muchos años aquí» ?
?https://t.co/dlNqu9rZ90
Gran entrevista de @monjeondavasca en @OndaVascaKirol #AthleticClub #goruntzbegira #athlive pic.twitter.com/4U8uVyFg0B— aupaAthletic.com (Oficial) (@aupaAthleticCom) February 27, 2019
Raul Garcia remains a key figure for Athletic. In a side that doesn’t score many, the goal threat he offers from midfield is important.
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Predicted Line Ups
Athletic Bilbao Team:
Herrerin – Marcos, Alvarez, Martinez, Yuri – Garcia, Etxebarria – Gomez, Garcia, Muniain – Williams (4-2-3-1)
Espanyol Team:
Lopez – Vila, Lopez, Hermoso, Rosales – Granero, Sanchez, Roca – Melendo, Lei, Perez (4-3-3)
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