Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves Match Preview & Prediction

Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves predictions, H2H and match preview for this Sunday’s Basque derby in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups as the hosts look to build on their bright start to the season.

Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves Preview

Athletic have another Basque derby at San Mames here having beaten rivals Real Sociedad in their most recent home match. Their record against Alaves hasn’t been great though in recent times with the Vitoria outfit having only suffered one defeat against the neighbours since returning to the top flight in 2016. They’ll be clear underdogs here though as the two Garitano’s (no relation) go head to head in the dugout.

Gaizka Garitano has done a fantastic job with Athletic. They are yet to lose this season with two home wins and two away draws to show for their efforts so far. They were perhaps a bit fortunate to come away with a point from their trip to Mallorca last time out, although in truth they would have left slightly disappointed after Aritz Aduriz missed a last minute penalty that would have seen Athletic move to the top of the table.

Alaves meanwhile have made a solid start under Asier Garitano. He looks to have instantly instilled some real defensive discipline in this side, something he failed to do at Real Sociedad last season where there was perhaps more onus on him to play attacking football. Alaves have only conceded twice so far this season although one of those goals did lead to their first defeat last time out against Sevilla.

The similarities between these two coaches go beyond their shared surnames with both placing great emphasis on hard work and sold defensive foundations. That may not exactly be the recipe for a classic here but Basque derbies are always fascinating in their own way and it’ll be interesting to see if Athletic have the creativity to open Alaves up if they do come here with a ‘park the bus’ attitude.

Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves Predictions

Score Prediction: 1-0 Athletic Club

This game really does not have the feel of one that will produce many goals. Alaves’ 4 games so far have produced just 4 goals in total while Athletic’s games have only produced one more. It’s hard to see anything other than a tight, tense derby match developing but Athletic have been consistently getting the results at home since the coaching change last autumn and they may just edge it.

Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves H2H

• Last 6 competitive meetings: 1 Athletic Win, 2 Alaves Wins, 3 Draws.
• Athletic have won just 1 of the 6 meetings since Alaves returned to the top flight after a long absence in 2016.
• Alaves haven’t won at San Mames since November 2005.
• Both meetings last season were drawn.

Next up in La Liga: Sevilla vs Real Madrid predictions & preview

Predicted Line Ups

Athletic Team:

Simon – Capa, Martinez, Yeray, Yuri – Lopez, Dani Garcia – Muniain, Raul Garcia, Cordoba – Williams (4-2-3-1)

Alaves Team:

Pacheco – Duarte, Laguardia, Ely, Aguirregabiria – Burke, Wakaso, Pina, Garcia, Vidal – Joselu (4-5-1)

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