Athletic Bilbao vs Slavia Prague Predictions

Athletic Bilbao vs Slavia Prague Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews in the Europa League. Athletic Bilbao will host Slavia Prague at San Mamés on Thursday for their third Europa League group stage match. Both teams seek crucial points to advance in the competition. Read on for our free predictions and tips.

Europa League | League Stage | Oct 24, 2024 at 8pm UK at San Mames Barria

Athletic Bilbao vs Slavia Prague Predictions

Can Athletic Bilbao’s Home Fortress Hold Strong Against Slavia Prague’s Unbeaten Run?

• Goals Galore: Athletic Bilbao have scored in eight consecutive matches in all competitions, averaging 1.7 goals per game. With Inaki Williams leading the line, expect the hosts to be a constant threat in front of goal.
• Slavia’s Strong Away Form: Slavia Prague have won their last four away matches, scoring in each game. Their potent attack has found the back of the net in nine consecutive games, highlighting their dangerous counter-attacking ability.
• Defensive Woes: Despite their strong home record, Athletic Bilbao have managed just two clean sheets this season, conceding in five of their last six matches. This defensive fragility could play into Slavia’s hands on the counter.

Our Tips

As Athletic Bilbao welcome Slavia Prague to San Mamés this Thursday, the stakes are high for both sides looking to extend their unbeaten runs in the Europa League. With four points apiece from their first two group-stage games, this clash promises to be a tightly contested affair. Bilbao, buoyed by their recent performances and the dream of lifting the trophy in their home stadium, will be eager to stamp their authority. Meanwhile, Slavia Prague come into the match with a resilient spirit, having picked up impressive results in both domestic and European competitions. The fans at San Mamés are set for an electric atmosphere as two in-form teams go head-to-head.

Bilbao, competing in their first European campaign since 2017-18, have started the season brightly, with a draw against Roma and a convincing 2-0 win over AZ Alkmaar. Their recent domestic form has been a mixed bag, but at home, Los Leones are formidable. Slavia, on the other hand, have shaken off the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League and are riding high in the Czech league. With a strong defensive record and a knack for scoring crucial goals, they will undoubtedly pose a threat to Bilbao’s hopes of securing all three points.

Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals

When it comes to predicting how this match might unfold, one wager stands out as particularly appealing: Over 2.5 goals. Given the attacking talent on display and both teams’ recent form, this market offers value for punters looking for an exciting, end-to-end game.

Athletic Bilbao have shown their ability to score freely, particularly at home, where they have netted in eight consecutive matches. Inaki Williams is in red-hot form, and his partnership with the creative Oihan Sancet could prove deadly against a Slavia defence that, while strong, has shown vulnerability when playing higher-level opposition. Across all competitions this season, Bilbao are averaging 1.7 goals per game, a figure that should boost confidence in backing goals here.

Furthermore, Bilbao’s defensive issues could add fuel to the goals market. They’ve conceded in five of their last six matches, and although their recent 4-1 victory over Espanyol was comprehensive, cracks at the back remain. With only two clean sheets to their name this season, Bilbao’s defence could find it tough to keep a clean sheet against a Slavia Prague side that’s brimming with attacking confidence.

Slavia Prague, on the other hand, have been consistent in finding the back of the net. With an impressive 24 goals in 11 Czech First League matches, they average more than two goals per game. Their Europa League form has been solid as well, scoring in both their games so far. Players like Tomas Chory and Matej Jurasek have been key contributors, and with Slavia creating an average of 3.1 big chances per game, Bilbao’s defence will have their hands full.

Gerard Gabasa, BettingTips4You.com’s expert, backs this up with his assessment:
“When you look at both sides’ attacking output and Bilbao’s defensive lapses, it’s hard to see this being a low-scoring affair. Both teams have the firepower to make this a thrilling match with goals at both ends.”

Slavia have also proven their mettle on the road, winning four consecutive away games, and they haven’t failed to score in any of their last nine matches. This sets the stage for a match where both teams are likely to push forward and create numerous scoring opportunities.

Given the attacking prowess of both sides and their recent records, over 2.5 goals seems a very solid bet.

Correct Score Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 3-2 Slavia Prague

With the likelihood of goals being high, predicting the correct score becomes a challenging but intriguing task. Both teams have shown they can score, and neither side has been immune to defensive lapses, making this a potential high-scoring encounter. While Athletic Bilbao’s home form makes them favourites to edge this tie, Slavia’s tenacity should see them keep things competitive.

Bilbao have been scoring freely at home and will look to dominate possession and pin Slavia back. However, the Czech side’s counter-attacking ability could see them exploit any gaps left by Bilbao’s adventurous full-backs. Athletic’s tendency to concede, coupled with Slavia’s recent attacking form, suggests that this won’t be a straightforward win for the hosts.

The 3-2 prediction reflects Bilbao’s ability to outscore their opponents, even if their defence remains fragile. Inaki Williams, who has already scored four goals this season, is a strong candidate to get on the scoresheet again, while Slavia’s Tomas Chory could provide the visitors with a cutting edge up front.

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