Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao predictions for Thursday’s La Liga affair. Struggling Sevilla are looking to start the new year with a positive result against highflying Athletic Bilbao. Will they succeed or it will be more misery for them? Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.
La Liga | Gameweek 19 — Jan 4, 2024 at 6:15pm UK at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan
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Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions
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Bilbao’s Formidable Challenge: Can Sevilla Rise to the Occasion?
Key Stats
– Athletic Bilbao is unbeaten in their last ten matches across all competitions.
– Sevilla has lost four of their last five matches in all competitions.
As Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao prepare to lock horns at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter that could significantly impact their respective La Liga campaigns. Sevilla, grappling with a precarious position close to the relegation zone, faces a formidable Bilbao side riding the wave of an impressive unbeaten streak. This match promises to be a tactician’s delight, with both teams eager to assert their dominance and climb the league standings.
Sevilla: A Team in Crisis
Sevilla’s recent form has been a cause for concern. Losing four of their previous five matches across all competitions, the team led by Quique Sanchez Flores has shown glaring vulnerabilities, particularly on their home turf. With a series of high-profile injuries and a lack of consistency, Sevilla’s once-vaunted fortress, the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, has become a ground of missed opportunities and faltering confidence.
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Athletic Bilbao: On the Crest of a Wave
Contrasting Sevilla’s struggles, Athletic Bilbao, under Ernesto Valverde, has been in scintillating form. Unbeaten in their last ten matches across all competitions, the Lions have showcased a blend of tactical nous and resilience. Their recent victories, including a notable triumph over Atletico Madrid, have fueled their aspirations for a spot in European competitions.
Key Duels and Tactical Battles
The match could be decided in the midfield, where Bilbao’s combination of Ander Herrera and Benat Prados Diaz will be crucial in dictating the tempo. Sevilla’s reliance on Sergio Ramos’s experience in defence will be tested against Bilbao’s dynamic attacking duo of Williams and Gorka Guruzeta.
Managerial Matchup
Quique Sanchez Flores faces significant pressure to turn around Sevilla’s fortunes, but his conservative approach might be exploited by Ernesto Valverde’s more dynamic and flexible tactics. Valverde’s ability to adapt to in-game situations could be the decisive factor in this encounter.
Predictions Justification
My predictions are grounded in the current form of both teams, their recent performances, and the tactical setups likely to be employed by the managers. The analysis of the teams’ strengths and weaknesses, particularly in defensive and attacking transitions, supports these predictions.
Expected Lineups and Commentary:
Sevilla’s Expected Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Dmitrović
- Defence: Ramos, Gudelj
- Midfield: Rakitić, Ocampos, Sánchez, Nianzou
- Forward: En-Nesyri
Commentary: Sevilla’s lineup reflects a blend of experience and youth, with Ramos’s leadership in defence being pivotal. The team will rely heavily on Rakitić’s creativity in midfield and En-Nesyri’s attacking prowess.
Athletic Bilbao’s Expected Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Simón
- Defence: De Marcos, Williams, Berchiche
- Midfield: Herrera, Sancet, Ruiz de Galarreta
- Forward: Williams, Guruzeta
Commentary: Bilbao’s lineup is a testament to their balanced approach, featuring a solid defence and a dynamic attack. Iñaki Williams’s speed and Guruzeta’s technical skills will be key to unlocking Sevilla’s defence.
Tactical Analysis and Predictions
1. Match Outcome Prediction: Athletic Bilbao to Win
Considering Bilbao’s current form and Sevilla’s home struggles, a victory for the visitors seems plausible. Bilbao’s robust defence, coupled with their ability to exploit Sevilla’s vulnerabilities, particularly in transition play, makes them the favourites to clinch this encounter.
2. Correct Score Prediction: 2-0 to Athletic Bilbao
Bilbao’s defensive solidity, having conceded just a single goal in their last five domestic appearances, and their offensive prowess suggest they could secure a comfortable 2-0 victory. Sevilla’s offensive struggles further tilt the odds in Bilbao’s favour.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Iñaki Williams to Score
Iñaki Williams, with his blistering pace and clinical finishing, is likely to be a thorn in Sevilla’s defence. His current form makes him a prime candidate to find the back of the net in this fixture.
4. Corner Prediction: Athletic Bilbao to Win More Corners
Athletic Bilbao’s attacking style, which often involves wide play and crosses, could result in a higher number of corners for them compared to Sevilla.
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