Athletic Bilbao vs Cadiz Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Athletic Bilbao vs Cadiz on and what time does it start? Athletic Bilbao vs Cadiz will take place on Saturday 16th September, 2023 – 13:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Athletic Bilbao vs Cadiz? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Athletic Bilbao vs Cadiz on in the UK? Athletic Bilbao vs Cadiz will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Athletic Bilbao vs Cadiz in the UK? Athletic Bilbao vs Cadiz can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Due to the ‘cantera’ policy of Athletic Club, the Basque club have limitations and self-imposed restrictions on how well and how much they can improve their squad each summer. It is therefore a stunning story that they have never been relegated from the top-flight and very rarely struggled, usually competing for European competition. However, they remain ambitious and will be expecting to challenge for a top seven finish again.
Ernesto Valverde’s side finished eighth and were beaten in the Copa del Rey semi-finals last season. They began this campaign with a very disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Real Madrid in which Athletic stated themselves they were under par. Since then they have been very impressive, though, with back-to-back victories against Osasuna and Real Betis before a goalless draw with Real Mallorca.
CADIZ
The bottom end of La Liga last season was fascinatingly congested and competitive with several teams amassing over 40 points and Real Valladolid being relegated with over 40 points, too. Cadiz were one of them as they are now commonly expected to do – as should be the case once again this season with the Andalusians unlikely to be too far clear of the drop.
They, under the management of Sergio, come into this on the back of very impressive 3-1 demolition of Villarreal to continue their fine start to the season whereby they currently sit in the top six ahead of the return of La Liga this weekend. They began with a slender 1-0 win against Alaves and have also drawn with Almeria and been harshly beaten by Barcelona.
THE TEAM NEWS
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Ernesto Valverde is without two key defensive players for this weekend and they are without Yeray Alvarez and Oscar de Marcos, as well as Peru Nolaskoain.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Vesga; I.Williams, Sancet, N.Williams; Guruzeta
UNAVAILABLE: de Marcos (Injured), Nolaskoain (Injured), Yeray (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
CADIZ
Sergio, as has been the case throughout the campaign, are without several key players with the likes of Fede, Sergi Guardiola and Victor Chust all unavailable due to injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Ledesma; Carcelen, L.Hernandez, Fali, J.Hernandez; Alejo, Alcaraz, Escalante, Machis; Roger, Ramos
UNAVAILABLE: San Emeterio (Injured), Mere (Injured), Chust (Injured), Guardiola (Injured), Cala (Injured), Ocampo (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
After a poor start to the season at home to Real Madrid, Athletic Club have ended up performing very well and will be very confident as they head into this one. Their front four has to be one of the most promising and exciting quartets in the league with the Williams brothers, Nico and Inaki, supporting Oihan Sancet and Gorka Guruzeta. Cadiz pulled off an impressive win against Villarreal a couple of weeks ago but games like this won’t be what decides their fate. Athletic, especially at San Mames, should win.
TIP: ATHLETIC BILBAO TO WIN
