Athletic Bilbao Aims to Extend Winning Streak Against Alaves

Athletic Bilbao will be looking to make it back-to-back wins in La Liga when they welcome fellow Basque outfit Alaves to San Mames on Saturday evening. The Lions currently sit fifth in the Spanish top-flight standings, just two points adrift of the Champions League places.

Ernesto Valverde’s side secured a 2-0 victory over Las Palmas in their previous outing to keep the pressure on Atletico Madrid in fourth position. Meanwhile, Alaves Head into this weekend’s clash on the back of a narrow 1-0 home triumph against Rayo Vallecano.

Team News

The hosts will be without the services of defenders Yuri Berchiche and Ander Herrera, who are both sidelined with hamstring problems. Midfielder Aitor Paredes is also suspended after picking up a booking against Las Palmas last time out.

Yeray Alvarez and Inigo Lekue are expected to deputize in the back four, with Valverde likely to name an otherwise unchanged lineup. Gorka Guruzeta should lead the line, supported by the attacking trio of Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet and Inaki Williams.

As for the visitors, Aleksandar Sedlar remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury. But Luis Garcia has no fresh injury concerns to contend with and could name the same XI that started against Rayo.

On-loan Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion has scored eight goals in La Liga this term and will spearhead the Alaves attack, with Kike Garcia and Alex Sola providing alternative options in attack.

Form Guide

Athletic are unbeaten in their last four league outings, claiming seven points from a possible twelve. Their home form has been particularly impressive this season, with 33 points accrued from 14 games at San Mames.

Alaves have struggled on the road, winning just twice away from Mendizorrotza. However, the Babazorros have performed better than expected this campaign and sit a comfortable 10 points clear of the relegation zone in 13th position.

Head-to-Head

Athletic have already beaten Alaves home and away this season without conceding a goal. The Bilbao outfit have not tasted defeat against their Basque rivals in La Liga since October 2020.

Match Prediction

While Alaves should not be underestimated, Athletic’s home form and recent momentum makes them strong favourites here. Valverde’s men need to keep picking up wins to stay in contention for a top-four finish.

I’m predicting a 2-0 home victory for Athletic to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive heading into the international break.

Athletic Bilbao potential starting XI: Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Lekue; Ruiz de Galarreta, Prados; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta

Alaves potential starting XI: Sivera; Gorosabel, Abqar, Marin, Lopez; Blanco, Guevara; Vicente, Guridi, Rioja; Omorodion