Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla 11/01/19

11 January 2019

A few days after battling in Copa del Rey, Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla will face-off at the Estadio San Mames, this time in La Liga.

The Andalusians secured a vital 3-1 road win over the Basque outfit in midweek’s Copa del Rey first leg, ensuring back-to-back victories over big rivals.

Although Los Leones won two of their last four La Liga clashes and stretched their unbeaten run to four games, they still struggle to extend the gap between them and the relegation zone. Along with Valencia (10), the Rojiblancos have played out more draws than any other side in the Spanish top tier, with five of those stalemates arrived at home. For Athletic, goals have been at a premium this campaign, as Gaizka Garitano’s crew scored over 1.5 goals per match just five times in the opening 18 La Liga fixtures. What’s more, they’ve scored under 1.5 goals in their last seven LL home outings, failing to hit the net twice in the process.

Meanwhile, the visitors are unbeaten in the previous eight races across all competitions (W4, D4), but three of their last four draws came on the road. Still more comfortable at home, Los Hispalenses have secured just three triumphs on nine road trips this campaign, playing out four successive LL road draws ahead of this meeting. Sevilla’s last three stalemates ended with the identical 1-1 scoreline, as their problems in the final third continue to grow. Pablo Machin’s players have scored over 1.5 goals per match just three times in the previous ten competitive encounters. Same as Athletic Bilbao (44%) at home, a 44% of Sevilla’s away clashes this term have produced over 2.5 goals.

Provisional line-up – Athletic Bilbao:

Gk: Herrerin Defense: Berchiche – Inigo Martinez – Ander Capa – Unai Nunez Midfield: Oscar de Marcos – Dani Garcia – Benat Attack: Inigo Cordoba – Inaki Williams – Muniain

Provisional line-up – Sevilla:

Gk: Vaclik Defense: Escudero – Sergi Gomez – Gnagnon – Jesus Navas Midfield: Roque Mesa – Banega – Carrico – Pablo Sarabia Attack: Andre Silva – Ben Yedder