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In an intriguing clash, we have two of Spain’s biggest clubs meeting each other at the San Mames this weekend as Athletic Club welcome a Sevilla side that should be attempting to be what Athletic are.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Sunday 29th September, 2024 - UK – 5:30pm / US ET – 12:30pm / US PT – 9:30am
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 Sevilla may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
ATHLETIC BILBAO PREVIEW: BUSY IN BILBAO
Coached by former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club began their 2024/25 UEFA Europa League campaign in midweek with a 1-1 draw against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. There will be huge importance placed on that game by Athletic supporters due to the final of the tournament being held at their home ground, San Mames.
The home team had started the season relatively slowly with key injuries but, after winning their first trophy in over 40 years last year, there is a sense of growth and kicking on this time around. They come into this one on the back of three successive La Liga victories as they propel themselves back up the table after that slow beginning.
SEVILLA PREVIEW: STEADY BUT SLOW SEVILLA
In each of the last two seasons, Sevilla have required three different managers to eventually pull themselves clear of the bottom three and the relegation places. Off-field mismanagement makes it difficult for any manager to succeed in the long-term at the moment in Seville and they may well struggle throughout this campaign.
With that said, former Las Palmas boss Garcia Pimienta has eased the pressure on himself with the Andalusian seven-time UEFA Europa League winners collecting six points from their last three matches. Their most recent outing saw them edge past Real Valladolid, scoring a late winner in that one at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
ATHLETIC BILBAO TEAM NEWS: INJURED SANCET
One of Athletic’s most talented players of the modern era, Oihan Sancet, has joined Unai Simon and Yeray Alvarez on their injury list ahead of this weekend.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Aguirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Boro; Jauregizar, Prados; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Guruzeta
UNAVAILABLE: Simon (Injured), Yeray (Injured), Sancet (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
SEVILLA TEAM NEWS: MARCAO SUSPENSION
After making a surprise return to fitness, defender Marcao was then sent off last weekend and his now suspended, sidelined alongside the likes of Saul Niguez and Djibril Sow.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Nyland; Carmona, Bade, Salas, Barco; Gudelj, Agoume; Navas, Peque, Lukebakio; Iheanacho
UNAVAILABLE: Marcao (Suspended), Sow (Injured), Saul (Injured), Lokonga (Injued), Romero (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Navas (Injured)
ATHLETIC BILBAO VS SEVILLA PREDICTION
Athletic Club are establishing themselves as one of the best teams in the country once again after a shaky beginning. Nico Williams returning to full fitness and back up to speed has been a major help but the management of Ernesto Valverde cannot and should not go overlooked. They now face a Sevilla side that head to San Mames knowing they have their work cut out to create some consistency. Athletic, even with midweek football under their belts, are firm favourites here.
ATHLETIC BILBAO VS SEVILLA TIP: ATHLETIC CLUB TO WIN