Athletic Bilbao take on Villarreal in La Liga on Sunday evening, with the home side looking to end a run of three successive league defeats. However, with the visitors being one of Spanish football’s in form teams, it could well be another difficult afternoon for José Ángel Ziganda’s side.
Spanish La Liga – San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao – Sunday 19th November – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 11/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Athletic Bilbao
Villareal FCMatch Preview
Having made a far from impressive start to their La Liga campaign, Athletic Bilbao take on Villarreal this weekend knowing that they must return to form sooner rather than later. However, opponents Villarreal have climbed the table rapidly over recent weeks thanks to four wins from five matches, with manager Javier Calleja undoubtedly keen to add to their points tally. With two of Spanish footballs biggest names meeting at the San Mames Stadium, a stack of bets are expected to be placed on the game in Bilbao. For those who still need some help in making their picks, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Athletic Bilbao Team News & Form
Bilbao come into this fixture off the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Celta Vigo before the international break, their sixth loss of the campaign already. A lack of goals has severely effected the progress of Ziganda’s team, with the home side averaging just one goal per game so far this season. With the likes of Aritz Aduriz, Inaki Williams and Iker Muniain in their playing squad, fans at the San Mames Stadium will be hoping that this changes sooner rather than later. Bilbao’s last La Liga win came against Sevilla back in the middle of October, with the Europa League side currently just three points above the relegation zone in Spain’s top-flight.
Villarreal Team News & Form
Villarreal’s form is in stark contrast to that of Athletic Bilbao’s, with Calleja’s men having won four of their last five matches, helping them to sit fifth in the standings. Despite not being a team that score a huge amount of goals, Villarreal have been quietly efficient at both ends of the field this season. Congo striker Cedric Bakambu has eight La Liga goals to his name already, with the 26-year-old set to lead the line for the visiting team this weekend. Elsewhere, the likes of Carlos Bacca, Ruben Semedo and captain Bruno help to make up a hugely experienced starting eleven.
Head to Head
The two teams have 30 times in the past, with Villarreal having won 15 of such matches, whilst drawing six times in the process. However, Athletic Bilbao defeated Villarreal at home last season, before the men in yellow claimed revenge thanks to a 3-1 success in front of their home fans.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite their poor run of form in the league, it is Athletic Bilbao who are the narrow favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The home side can be backed at odds of 6/5 with Ladbrokes, however for those looking to back an away win for Villarreal, odds of 23/10 can be found with Skybet.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being under 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes, which is available at odds of 7/10 with Ladbrokes.