Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla predictions for their La Liga meeting. Sevilla aim to recover from two defeats in Sunday’s La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips
La Liga | Gameweek 37 – May 19, 2024 at 6pm UK at San Mames Barria
Don’t Have a Bet365 account? Click below to claim this offer👇
Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla Predictions
Bilbao’s Fortress: Can Sevilla Break the Streak at San Mamés?
Key Stats
– Athletic Bilbao have secured 11 wins from 18 home games this season.
– Sevilla have lost eight away matches this season.
– Youssef En-Nesyri has scored 15 goals for Sevilla this season.
Athletic Bilbao face Sevilla in a crucial La Liga encounter at San Mamés, with both teams eager to finish the season on a high note. Bilbao, having recently secured Europa League qualification, look to cement their fifth-place finish. Sevilla, on the other hand, aim to bounce back from consecutive defeats and secure a top-half finish.
Athletic Bilbao’s Season So Far
Athletic Bilbao have had a season filled with ups and downs. Their hopes for a Champions League spot were dashed recently following a 2-1 loss to Celta Vigo. Despite this setback, Ernesto Valverde’s team has secured a Europa League place, marking their return to European competition since 2017-18. Bilbao’s success has largely been built on their strong home performances, boasting 11 wins, six draws, and only one defeat at San Mamés.
The team has shown resilience, though their recent form has seen just one win in six matches post their Copa del Rey triumph over Mallorca. This cup victory ended a 40-year drought for Bilbao, a testament to Valverde’s effective management. Despite a slight dip in form, Bilbao remain a tough team to beat at home, where they have managed to avoid defeat in their last three matches.
Sevilla’s Struggles and Prospects
Sevilla’s season has been one of transition and inconsistency. Under Quique Sanchez Flores, appointed in December, the team has managed to avoid the relegation zone, accumulating 28 points from 20 matches to sit at 41 points overall. However, recent results have been disappointing, with stoppage-time defeats against Villarreal and Cadiz adding to their woes. Currently 12th, Sevilla aim to climb into the top half of the table, a task that hinges on their final two performances.
Sevilla have experienced difficulties on the road, with eight away defeats highlighting their struggles. Nonetheless, they have secured back-to-back 1-0 wins in their last two visits to San Mamés, suggesting they can compete despite Bilbao’s home strength. The farewell of club legend Jesus Navas adds emotional weight to their final games, with the team keen to send him off on a high note.
Tactical Analysis and Key Duels
Midfield Battle: Vesga and Herrera vs. Agoume and Jordan
The midfield clash will be pivotal, with Bilbao’s Mikel Vesga and Ander Herrera facing Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume and Joan Jordan. Vesga and Herrera will aim to dominate possession and transition play, while Agoume and Jordan will look to disrupt Bilbao’s rhythm and create chances for Sevilla’s forwards.
Attacking Threats: Williams Brothers vs. En-Nesyri
Bilbao’s attack, led by brothers Iñaki and Nico Williams, will be a significant threat. Their pace and dribbling skills will test Sevilla’s defence. Conversely, Youssef En-Nesyri, Sevilla’s top scorer with 15 goals, will be crucial for the visitors, aiming to exploit any defensive lapses from Bilbao.
Defensive Fortitude: Berchiche and Vivian vs. Ramos and Bade
Defensively, Bilbao will rely on Yuri Berchiche and Daniel Vivian to contain Sevilla’s forwards. Meanwhile, Sevilla will depend on experienced Sergio Ramos and Loïc Badé to withstand Bilbao’s offensive pressure. The performance of these defenders will likely influence the outcome.
Managerial Insights and Criticism
Ernesto Valverde Valverde has successfully guided Bilbao back to European competition, leveraging a strong home record and effective tactics. However, the team’s recent inconsistent form post-Copa del Rey victory raises questions about their ability to maintain focus and performance levels.
Quique Sanchez Flores Sanchez Flores has steered Sevilla clear of relegation, but his tenure has been marred by inconsistent performances and a failure to secure crucial points. The team’s vulnerability in conceding late goals highlights a need for better game management and defensive organisation.
Expected Lineups and Commentary
Athletic Bilbao:
Possible Starting XI: Simon; De Marcos, Paredes, Vivian, Berchiche; Vesga, Herrera; I Williams, Muniain, N Williams; Berenguer
Bilbao’s lineup showcases a mix of experience and youth, with the Williams brothers providing pace and creativity. Muniain’s return adds midfield stability, while Berchiche’s attacking prowess from left-back will be crucial.
Sevilla:
Possible Starting XI: Nyland; Navas, Bade, Ramos, Salas, Acuna; Suso, Agoume, Jordan, Ocampos; En-Nesyri
Sevilla’s lineup features experienced defenders like Ramos and Acuna, while Suso and Ocampos offer width and creativity. En-Nesyri leads the attack, aiming to add to his goal tally.
Expected Goals and Betting Angles
Bilbao average 1.6 goals per game while conceding 1, reflecting a balanced approach. Sevilla average 1.3 goals scored and 1.4 conceded, highlighting defensive issues. Betting angles favour goals, with both teams likely to score given their respective form and defensive vulnerabilities.
Predictions
Best Bet: Athletic Bilbao to Win and Both Teams to Score
Given Bilbao’s impressive home record and Sevilla’s defensive vulnerabilities, backing Bilbao to win while both teams score appears a sound choice. Sevilla have struggled defensively, particularly away from home, while Bilbao have shown they can capitalise on home advantage.
Correct Score Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Sevilla
A 2-1 victory for Bilbao aligns with their home form and Sevilla’s tendency to concede. Bilbao’s attacking prowess, combined with Sevilla’s ability to score, suggests a closely contested match but with the hosts edging out a win.
Goalscorer Prediction: Iñaki Williams
Iñaki Williams, with 12 league goals, is a key figure in Bilbao’s attack. His speed and finishing ability make him a likely candidate to score against Sevilla’s shaky defence. His recent form and role in the team position him as a top scorer for this match.
First Half Result: Athletic Bilbao Leading
Bilbao’s tendency to start strong, particularly at home, suggests they will lead at halftime. Sevilla’s recent form indicates they may struggle early on, making it probable Bilbao will take an early advantage.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Corners Over 9.5
Both teams average a significant number of corners per game, with Bilbao at 5.5 and Sevilla at 4.8. An open game with attacking plays should result in plenty of corner kicks, making over 9.5 corners a reasonable bet.
Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
