This season’s Europa League surprise package Oestersunds FK face their biggest test of the competition to date as they travel to Spain to take on Athletic Bilbao. The Swedish side can confirm their qualification for the knockout phase of the competition with three points, however their opponents are in desperate need of a win themselves.
Champions League – San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao – Thursday 2nd November – 21:05 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 7/2 at Ladbrokes |
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Athletic Bilbao
Östersunds FKMatch Preview
Despite being one of the biggest names in this season’s competition, Bilbao have struggled to make any sort of impression to date, making their home tie with Swedish minnows Oestersunds a must win clash. However, with Graham Potter’s men unbeaten ingroup J after three matches, it could well be one of the ties of the round in Spain next week. Bilbao needed a last-gasp goal to earn a draw in Sweden just a week ago, with plenty of bets expected to be placed on the reverse encounter. For those interested, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the Spanish side.
Athletic Bilbao Team News & Form
José Ángel Ziganda’s team have made a far from convincing start to the season, winning just three of their opening nine Spanish La Liga matches, while still searching for a first Europa League success. As well as this, they warmed up for their clash with Oestersunds with a draw against lower league Formentera in the Copa del Rey, demonstrating their lack of form over recent weeks. With their upcoming match being a must-win if they are to have any chance of qualifying, Ziganda is likely to name a strong starting eleven in Spain, including the likes of Iker Muniain, Aymeric Laporte and Oscar de Marcos. Meanwhile, having scored the equaliser in Sweden, Inaki Williams will be hoping to earn a start. Bilbao have scored just two goals in the Europa League so far, with the pressure on their attacking players to deliver next week.
Oestersunds FK Team News & Form
Wins over Zorya and Hertha Berlin have left Oestersunds on the brink of qualifying for the knockout stage of the competition, with English manager Graham Potter having added to his ever-growing reputation with a battling point against their Spanish opponents last time around. His side sit fourth in the Swedish top-flight at present, just three points of a European qualification place. Last time out, they produced a fine display to overcome IFK Gothenburg away from home, demonstrating that they are in good form heading to Spain. English players Jamie Hopcutt and Curtis Edwards have been in good form for the Swede’s all season, while forward Saman Ghoddos could well play in a lone-attacking position next week.
Head to Head
Before last week’s clash in Sweden last week, where the two clubs played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, the two teams had never previously met in a competitive fixture. As a result, few conclusions can be made ahead of the reverse fixture.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite the result between the two clubs last week, their home advantage means that it is Athletic Bilbao who are the favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The home side can be backed at odds of 4/9 withSkybet, while Bet65 offers offer the Swedish underdogs odds of 13/2.
Top Betting Tip
Our top betting tip for the match is to bet on Athletic Bilbao to win and both teams not to score, which is available at odds of 13/10 at Ladbrokes.