Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao predictions and match preview for this Sunday’s game in LaLiga. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted line ups ahead of this Basque derby.
- DATE: Sunday 27th September 2020
- KICK-OFF: 14:00 (local time)
- VENUE: Ipurua
Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao Preview
There’s a Basque derby at Ipurua this Sunday as Eibar take on Athletic Club. This was scheduled to be the Friday night game but the Spanish football authorities have yet again made late alterations with the fixture moved back to Sunday at just 48 hours notice. Far from ideal in terms of the preparations of both sides but José Luis Mendilibar and Gaizka Garitano have little choice but to adapt and would most likely have anticipated the switch.
Eibar have only collected one point from their two games so far. They drew 0-0 at home to Celta Vigo on the opening weekend before going down 2-1 at Villarreal last time out. They were leading that game with half an hour to play but couldn’t see the job through as Gerard Moreno and Paco Alcacer netted late goals for the Yellow Submarine.
They’ve not had much joy against their larger neighbours since joining the top flight six years ago although it is invariably tight whenever these two Basque clubs meet. Athletic are hoping to kick on this season and seal Europa League qualification and this is the kind of match they may need to win if they are going to achieve their goals.
Athletic were not in action last weekend so their only competitive game so far this season remains their 2-0 defeat at Granada on matchday 1. Garitano’s side managed to have more than twice as many attempts as their opponents in that game though and may feel as though they should have got a result.
Season Previews: Eibar | Athletic Club
Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao H2H
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 2 Athletic Wins, 4 Draws.
- Both meetings last term were drawn including a 2-2 draw here at the end of last season.
- The sides also drew 2-2 in a friendly earlier this month.
- Eibar haven’t beaten Athletic in over 5 years since a 2-0 win at Ipurua in August 2015.
Team News
Both sides are expected to line up 4-2-3-1 here. Eibar are expected to make some changes with Pape Diop back from suspension while new signings Kevin and Recio may both be handed starts.
Athletic are likely to stick with youngster Jon Morcillo who should be backed up on the left flank by Yuri who is fit again. Raul Garcia will continue to lead the line with Inaki Williams most likely operating on the right flank.
Predicted Eibar XI:
Dmitrovic – Kevin, Bigas, Oliveira, Correa – Recio, Diop – Inui, Exposito, Leon – Kike (4-2-3-1)
Predicted Athletic XI:
Simon – Yuri, Martinez, Yeray, Capa – Dani Garcia, Unai Lopez – Morcillo, Muniain, Williams – Raul Garcia (4-2-3-1)
Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions
Score Prediction: 1-0 Athletic
Eibar have added some much needed fresh blood but they do look weaker overall than last season which suggests it could be a relegation scrap for them this season. Athletic ought to be able to name what Garitano currently sees as their strongest eleven here, and they should have just enough to get the victory.
Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tips (18+)
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