Zorya take on Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League next week, with a win for either side sending them through to the knockout phase of the competition. With the Ukrainian side having already won in Spain earlier in the campaign, Bilbao will undoubtedly be looking for revenge when they take to the field at the Slavutych Arena.
Europa League – Slavutych Arena, Zaporizhia – Thursday 7th December – 20:05 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 28/11 at Unibet |
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Zorya Luhansk
Athletic BilbaoMatch Preview
Ukrainian side Zorya host Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League next week, with the Group J rivals both still in with a chance of making it through to the next stage of the competition. The home side must win if they are to be in the draw for the knockout phase, while their Spanish opponents require just a single point. The Ukrainian’s won 1-0 away in Spain back in September, however Bilbao look to have returned to somewhere near their best form over recent weeks. With little separating the duo ahead of kick off in the wagering markets, those still unsure of who to back should certainly check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with home side.
Zorya Team News & Form
Zorya come into this match off the back of an important win over Zirka in the Ukrainian top-flight over the weekend, a result which leaves them sixth in the standings. However, a defeat against Group J leaders Oestersunds means that they now must win against Athletic Bilbao in order to progress to the next stage of the competition, with the Ukrainian side having already lost three times from their five matches. Brazilian trio Paulinho, Iury and Silas are potentially set to line up for the home side, who have scored just three goals from their group matches to date.
Athletic Bilbao Team News & Form
Bilboa have won two consecutive matches in Group J in order to give themselves a strong chances of qualifying, with manager José Ángel Ziganda under pressure to deliver in the Ukraine next week. The Spanish side recorded a 2-2 draw away at Deportivo La Coruna over the weekend, leaving them in 16th position in the La Liga standings, just six points clear of the relegation zone. The likes of Aduriz, Inaki Williams and Iker Munain help to make up a strong offensive team, however with just six goals to their name in Europe this season, Athletic Bilbao must improve in this area next week.
Head to Head
Zorya’s 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in Spain earlier on in the season was the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, meaning that few conclusions can be made surrounding their head-to-head record.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite being the away side, their performances over recent weeks means that it is Athletic Bilbao who are the favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. Those looking to back the visitors for the win for can take advantage of odds of 8/11 from Ladbrokes, while Zorya are priced at 4/1 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes in the Ukraine, which is available at a price of 19/20 with Ladbrokes ahead of kick-off.