Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe Preview & Prediction | 2024-25 Spanish Primera
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
It was a magnificent 2023/24 season for Athletic Club as they won their first major trophy, excluding the Supercopa de Espana, in 40 years when they won the Copa del Rey. Getafe, on the other hand, are looking for another season of stabilisation under the management of Jose Bordalas.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Thursday 15th August, 2024 - UK – 6:00pm / US ET – 1:00pm / US PT – 10:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Premier Sports app / US – ESPN+
ATHLETIC BILBAO PREVIEW: STAR STUDDED BASQUE GIANTS
The summer transfer window has been dominated by talk of departures, as is expected to the be the case up at San Mames with their transfer policy of only bringing in players of Basque origin something that limits general speculation. The biggest concern and, so far success, is keeping hold of Nico Williams.
The winger, who had an excellent UEFA EURO 2024 in helping Spain win the tournament, is the subject of interest from Barcelona but he, as well as brother Inaki Williams and other key attackers like Oihan Sancet and Gorka Guruzeta, have remained put as they build towards another hopefully stellar season.
GETAFE PREVIEW: RELIANT ON BARGAINS
Jose Bordalas is famed for his aggressive and card-heavy tactical approach. He created a strong and fierce Getafe side in his first spell that reached the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League before, in retrospect given the managers before and after, doing a steady job with Valencia.
He has returned to Getafe and once again instilled an aggressive, difficult to play against tactical plan that saw them finish 12th last season. They have been limited in the transfer market themselves, reliant on cheap pick-ups or loan deals over the summer as they try to rebuild another strong Getafe side.
ATHLETIC BILBAO TEAM NEWS: INJURIES TO OLD AND NEW
Ernesto Valverde has two irritations to deal with on the opening day of the season with first choice and experienced goalkeeper, Spain’s number one Unai Simon, missing with a wrist injury.
As well as Unai Simon, one of their few new signings that they ever make, Alvaro Djalo who joined for around £12.7 million from Braga this summer, is also expected to be unavailable due to a thigh injury. Captain Oscar de Marcos is also an injury doubt.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Alex Padilla; Andoni Gorosabel, Aitor Paredes, Yeray Alvarez, Yuri Berchiche; Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Mikel Vesga; Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams; Gorka Guruzeta
UNAVAILABLE: Unai Simon (Injured), Alvaro Djalo (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Aggirezabala (Injured), De Marcos (Injured)
GETAFE TEAM NEWS: BUILDING THE SUSPENSIONS
As mentioned, Jose Bordalas’ style of football often has Getafe down the bottom end of La Liga’s fair play table and they would have had Diego Rico suspended if it wasn’t for the league wiping the yellow cards at the end of the season.
Aside from Diego Rico, the big thing for Jose Bordalas will be trying to find either a tactical or personnel replacement for key loanee last season Mason Greenwood, who has left the club. Striker Borja Mayoral is expected to remain unavailable after picking up an injury in March.
PREDICTED XI (4-5-1): David Soria; Juan Iglesias, Djene, Omar Alderete, Diego Rico; Peter, Carles Alena, Mauro Arambarri, Uche, Alex Sola; Carles Perez
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Borja Mayoral (Injured)
ATHLETIC BILBAO VS GETAFE PREDICTION
The Basque Country and, in particular San Mames, is known for its ability to create a strong, partisan home atmosphere. Athletic were strong at home last season and as they seek to go further than their fifth placed finish last season, will be aiming to set about their opposition from the off. Getafe, as mentioned, are difficult to play against so may make it a frustrating watch for the neutral but Athletic should still start their season with a victory.
ATHLETIC BILBAO VS GETAFE TIP: ATHLETIC CLUB TO WIN & UNDER 3.5 GOALS
