Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao on and what time does it start? Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao will take place on Monday 12th February, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao on in the UK? Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao in the UK? Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
ALMERIA
After gaining promotion to the Spanish top-flight in 2022, Almeria narrowly avoided the drop on the final day of last season. They have, though, endured an absolutely miserable campaign this time around as they head into the final 15 games of the season still winless and onto their third permanent manager of the campaign.
Despite some genuinely improved performances over the winter, the Andalusians have collected just six points with six draws and 17 defeats in their 23 matches so far this season. They have conceded 51 goals in those games, too, as they come into this one on the back of a 2-1 loss away to Valencia at Mestalla in their most recent outing, last weekend.
ATHLETIC BILBAO
After being described as the ‘best team in Spain’ by the head coach of their arch-rivals last month, Imanol Aguacil of Real Sociedad, Athletic Club have continued their fine season and come into this one on the back of defeating Atletico Madrid by a goal to nil at the Metropolitano in the first-leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie.
Under the management of former Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde, the Basque club begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting just outside of the top four and the UEFA Champions League qualifying spots. They hammered Real Mallorca by four goals to nil in their last La Liga outing last weekend.
THE TEAM NEWS
ALMERIA
Leo Baptistao is missing through this one due to suspension, whilst Luis Suarez is out injured. Cesar Montes and Ibrahima Kone are among those that are doubts, too.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Maximiano; Pubill, Montes, Chumi, Centelles; Lopy, Edgar; Arribas, Melero, Ramazani; Embarba
UNAVAILABLE: Baptistao (Suspended), Suarez (Injured), Puigmal (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Montes (Injured), Radovanovic (Injured), Kone (Injured)
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Athletic Club have several injury issues for this weekend with Inigo Lekue sidelined alongside other attackers, Nico Williams and Alex Berenguer.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; de Marcos, Yeray, Paredes, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Prados; I. Williams, Sancet, Muniain; Guruzeta
UNAVAILABLE: N. Williams (Injured), Lekue (Injured), Berenguer (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
This one is a real mis-match. Having said that, Almeria will count themselves as unfortunate to have not beaten Real Madrid a few weeks ago, pushed Barcelona all the way and took a point off title challenging Girona, too, quite recently. Athletic, though, have been sensational all season and should have enough to simply overwhelm their Andalusian opposition with an away win the expected outcome of this one.
TIP: ATHLETIC BILBAO TO WIN
