Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction, Tips & Odds – 20.01.2024
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Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction 20.01.2024. In the 21st round of the Spanish La Liga, Valencia will host Athletic Bilbao on Saturday at 18:30 at the Mestalla stadium.
In the previous round, both teams secured victories. The home side defeated Cadiz, while the visitors emerged victorious against Real Sociedad.
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Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Odds
Valencia Team News
Valencia bid farewell to this season’s Copa del Rey after a 3-1 home defeat against Celta Vigo, ending their streak of four consecutive victories. This loss now directs their full focus towards upcoming La Liga matches, where they have displayed exceptional form. After a defeat against Getafe on December 8, they have garnered 10 points in the last four games.
Under Ruben Baraja’s management, the team drew 1-1 with Barcelona on December 16 and then secured three consecutive wins against Rayo Vallecano, Villarreal, and Cadiz, scoring a total of eight goals. This impressive run has placed them in eighth position on the table, just three points behind sixth-placed Real Sociedad, as Valencia aims to secure a return to European competitions next season.
Despite challenges with injuries and player absences, such as Roman Yaremchuk and Hugo Gonzalez being doubtful due to illness, and Andre Almeida likely to miss out again with back issues, Valencia is determined to earn additional points. Furthermore, Selim Amallah and Mouctar Diakhaby will be absent due to international duties at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Coach Baraja will need to make changes to the lineup compared to the team that faced Celta in the Copa del Rey, with players like Sergi Canos, Jose Gaya, Hugo Guillamon, and Cristhian Mosquera expected to be reintegrated into the starting eleven for the upcoming match.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
Athletic Bilbao will pose a challenge for Valencia this weekend, as the Lions have been one of the most impressive teams in the Spanish league this season.
Under the management of Ernesto Valverde, the team secured a spot in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Alaves, marking their sixth consecutive win in all competitions. In La Liga, Athletic has achieved four consecutive victories, propelling them to the third position in the standings.
The Lions boast a record of 12 wins, five draws, and three losses, accumulating 41 points from 20 league games. Despite the absence of Inaki Williams due to the Africa Cup of Nations, Athletic will seek to extend their undefeated streak against Valencia in La Liga to nine matches.
Dani Garcia remains uncertain due to a thigh issue, and key forward Inaki Williams is missing due to international duties. Coach Valverde may maintain the lineup from the last league match against Real Sociedad, with a few changes expected from the team that played against Alaves in the Copa del Rey.
Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao H2H
21.08.2022. Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia 1:0
26.01.2023. Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao 1:3
11.02.2023. Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao 1:2
29.10.2023. Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia 2:2
Injuries and suspensions
Valencia: Roman Yaremchuk, Hugo Gonzalez, Andre Almeida, Selim Amallah, Mouctar Diakhaby
Athletic Bilbao: Dani Garcia, Inaki Willams
Expected Lineups
Valencia (4-4-2): Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Mosquera, Paulista, Gaya; Perez, Guillamon, Pepelu, Canos; Duro, D Lopez
Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simon; Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri; Ruiz de Galarreta, Vesga; Berenguer, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta
Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
Although Valencia has the home advantage, Athletic Bilbao is considered a slight favorite in this match due to their higher position in the table, head-to-head record, and current better form. Nevertheless, we expect a challenging duel, and the betting recommendation would be a draw or a victory for Athletic Bilbao, with the anticipation that the game will be fairly open, with at least two goals scored throughout the entire match.
Kick-off Time: Saturday, 20.01.2024, 6:30 AM Local Time (GMT 0), 18:30 CET
Prediction: draw/Athletic Bilbao & over 1.5
Odds (when tipped): 1.87
Sportsbook: Ivibet
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