Athletic Club vs Villarreal predictions and match preview for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as the Yellow Submarine travel to Bilbao.
| Date | Sunday 30th October 2022 |
| Kick-Off | 18:30 (local time) |
| Stadium | San Mames |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Athletic Club vs Villarreal Preview
Newly appointed Quique Setién takes his Villarreal side to the Basque Country this weekend as they play Athletic Bilbao in the Estadio San Mamés. Both teams’ aims are European qualification this season so we should be in for an exciting match.
It has been a decent start of the season for Athletic. Head Coach Ernesto Valverde has got his side playing well and scoring. After the 4-0 thumping of Almería in September, Los Leones are winless in October drawing two and losing two. Valverde will be hoping his side will bounce back from their 4-0 loss to Barcelona last weekend in which the game was pretty much over in the first thirty minutes.
It was a poor reflection of the impressive start that Athletic have had this season. Getting back in the win column would see them stay above Villarreal in the table and possibly move up to fifth. A good run of form could keep their dreams of Champions League qualification very much open.
It has been a very busy week for Villarreal. Head Coach Unai Emery has left to give the Premier League another go taking up the reins at Aston Villa whilst former Barcelona and Real Betis Head Coach Quique Setién has taken over at the Yellow Submarine. It’s a bold move from President Fernando Roig. It didn’t end well for Setién at Barça but if he can get Villarreal playing like he had his side at Betis playing then they are in for a great ride.
His first match was in the Europa Conference League on Thursday. Even though his side had already qualified, a win is always a good start but it wasn’t to be as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva. All eyes will be now on this game and getting something would be a positive start for the new coach.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Athletic Club
| INJURED | Dani Garcia, Herrera |
| DOUBTFUL | |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Simon – Yuri, Yeray, Martinez, De Marcos – Vesga, Sancet – Berenguer, Muniain, N. Williams – I. Williams (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Ernesto Valverde
Villarreal
| INJURED | Gerard Moreno, Foyth |
| DOUBTFUL | Capoue, Pedraza |
| BANNED | Morlanes, Baena |
Possible XI: Rulli – Mojica, Torres, Albiol, Femenia – Lo Celso, Coquelin, Parejo, Pino – Jackson, Danjuma (4-4-2)
Coach: Quique Setien
Score Prediction: Athletic Club 2-2 Villarreal
In what should be a cagey but fun affair, both clubs will have their moments in the game but it is what they do in those moments that will make the difference. It could be too early for the Villarreal players to take on their new coaches’ ideas but Athletic are also not in great form so expect a close match here.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
