Athletic Club vs Real Valladolid predictions and match preview for Tuesday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as these sides play their final league game before the World Cup.
| Date | Tuesday 8th November 2022 |
| Kick-Off | 20:00 (local time) |
| Stadium | San Mames |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Athletic Club vs Real Valladolid Preview
Bilbao is the setting for Tuesday’s clash between Athletic Club and Real Valladolid as two teams who are enjoying positive starts to the season meet. They endured contrasting fortunes last time out with Athletic keen to bounce back here from their worst result of the campaign to date.
A 2-1 loss at newly promoted Girona represented a setback for Ernesto Valverde as he aims to push Athletic into serious European contention this term. Problems at the likes of Sevilla and Villarreal suggests that is a very serious possibility but home form will be key. They’ll be looking to turn San Mames into a real fortress this season and the early signs are relatively promising with 4 wins out of 7 at home so far.
They were very impressive in their last outing in Bilbao and should have beaten Villarreal by more than a 1-0 margin. However the absence of Iker Muniain was more noticeable in their last game with Raul Garcia hardly a like-for-like replacement. Athletic are hoping Muniain is able to play some part here which would be a big boost as they aim to open up this Real Valladolid defence.
Pacheta’s team comes into this one following an impressive display and 2-1 victory over Elche at the weekend. They are playing some good football at times and have carried a greater goal threat than many expected on their return to the top flight after just one season in the Segunda Division.
However there is a major disparity between Real Valladolid’s home and away form. Their home record is actually identical to that of their opponents in this game with 13 points from 7 games at the Jose Zorrilla. However they have lost 4 of their 6 away games and look much less convincing when they go on the road with only 4 sides having picked up fewer points away from their own ground.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Athletic Club
| INJURED | Dani Garcia |
| 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
Real Valladolid
| INJURED | Sanchez, Anuar Mohamed, Luis Perez, Kenedy, Malsa, Escudero |
| DOUBTFUL | |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Masip – Olaza, Javi Sanchez, Joaquin, Fresneda – Aguado, Mesa – Plano, Perez, Plata – Leon (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Pacheta
Score Prediction: Athletic Club 2-0 Real Valladolid
This is one of those games where it feels like home advantage may be decisive. If Muniain is fully fit, you’d certainly fancy Athletic to have a bit too much quality for their opponents here. Despite an overall downturn in their fortunes in recent weeks, Athletic have still been playing well at San Mames and they should collect all the points.
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.
