Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao predictions, H2H and match preview for this Wednesday’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups ahead of this Basque derby.
by Mark Sochon (@marksoc1)
Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao Preview
There’s a Basque derby in La Liga on Wednesday as relegation-threatened Eibar aim to turn over their illustrious neighbours at Ipurua. Athletic Club are on the fringes of the European battle but they will need a really strong end to the campaign if they are going to seriously threaten the Europa League places.
Eibar opted to leave a few regular starters out of their trip to Real Madrid at the weekend, perhaps a wise move as they prioritised this game and several more winnable fixtures coming up. They were blown away by Real Madrid in the 1st Half, and went into the break 3-0 down but José Luis Mendilibar would have been more encouraged by their 2nd Half showing as Eibar pinned Los Blancos back at times and ultimately cut the deficit to 3-1.
They will be desperate to find some kind of home advantage here despite the absence of fans, particularly given Athletic Club are not great travellers. Gaizka Garitano’s side average just 0.93 points per game on the road this term in La Liga but did pick up a convincing 4-1 victory at Real Valladolid in their most recent road game.
Eibar should be able to name a stronger starting XI than they did in Madrid. Gonzalo Escalante is back from suspension and will start in midfield and there could be rotation up top with Charles and Sergi Enrich pushing for starts. By contrast, Gaizka Garitano is not normally one for major rotation but a few fringe players such as Ibai Gomez could be drafted in here.
Read more: Basque Football Guide
Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions
Score Prediction: 1-1 Draw
This is a tough game to call given we are still not really any clearer as to how much home advantage teams are getting from playing in empty stadiums. Athletic are the stronger side but this congested schedule may not suit them too well with limited attacking options in reserve compared to other teams. A draw might just be the most likely outcome here.
Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tips (18+)
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Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao H2H
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 3 Athletic Wins, 3 Draws.
- Athletic have won on 3 of their 5 league visits to Eibar, losing only once.
- The sides drew 0-0 earlier this term at San Mames.
- 3 of the last 4 league meetings have finished level.
Predicted Line Ups
Eibar Team:
Dmitrovic – Cote, Bigas, Burgos, Arbilla – Orellana, Escalante, Diop, Leon – Kike, Enrich (4-4-2)
Athletic Team:
Simon – Unai, Martinez, Nunez, Capa – Vesga, Garcia – Gomez, Garcia, Muniain – Williams (4-2-3-1)
We will have match previews for every game in La Liga this season.
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