Having failed to make it through in the Champions League, Spartak Moscow kick-start their Europa League campaign with a home tie against Athletic Bilbao. The hosts are notoriously difficult to beat in Russia, however their opponents have constantly made appearances in the latter stages of the tournament over recent years, meaning that this is a tough encounter to predict.
Europa League – Spartak Moscow v Athletic Bilbao, Otkrytiye Arena, Moscow – Thursday 15th February – 18:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 9/4 at Skybet |
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FK Spartak Moscow
Athletic BilbaoMatch Preview
Spartak Moscow take on Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 32 clash next week, with both teams hoping to give themselves the best possible chance of making it through to the next round of the competition with a positive result in the Russian capital. Managers Massimo Carrera and José Ángel Ziganda will also go head-to-head, with the tactical battle between the duo potentially having a significant impact upon the result. Those looking to place a bet on the match should check out our top tip below, however let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Spartak Moscow Team News & Form
Spartak Moscow won five consecutive matches in the Russian Premier League before the winter break, however manager Massimo Carrera still sees his side sitting third in the standings. Spartak won just one of their six Champions League matches this season, as well as registering three draws, leaving them third in Group E. The likes of Luiz Adriano, Fernando and Dutch international winger Quincy Promes are among the biggest talents for the hosts, who are certainly a better attacking side than they are at defending.
Athletic Bilbao Team News & Form
The visitors come into the clash off the back of a disappointing away defeat at Girona in the Spanish top-flight, with Ziganda’s side now sitting 13th in the standings, without a win in four matches. The Basque side lost star defender Aymeric Laporte to Manchester City during the January transfer window, with new arrival Inigo Martinez unable to play against Spartak Moscow having already featured in the competition for Real Sociedad. However, the Spaniard’s lost just once in Group J in order to reach the knockout phase of the competition, scoring eight goals from their six matches.
Head to Head
The two teams are yet to meet in a competitive fixture, meaning that no conclusions can be made when it comes to the head-to-head record between Spartak Moscow and Athletic Bilbao.
Spartak Moscow v Athletic Bilbao – Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their status as the home team next week, it comes as little surprise that it is Spartak Moscow who are the firm favourites for victory with all online bookmakers. The home team can be backed at best odds of 11/8 with PaddyPower, while those looking to back a surprise away win for Athletic Bilbao can take advantage of 19/10 odds from the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip Spartak Moscow v Athletic Bilbao
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes in Russia, a market which is available at odds of 4/5 with bookmaker William Hill.