La Liga Thriller: Getafe vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions

The stage is set for an enthralling La Liga encounter as Getafe and Athletic Bilbao lock horns in a battle that could have major implications on the European places. Both sides have shown glimpses of brilliance this season, but inconsistency has plagued their respective campaigns, leaving everything to play for in this hotly anticipated clash.

Getafe go into the game on the back of a morale-boosting 3-1 victory over Almeria, a result that snapped a concerning run of four games without a win. The potent duo of Mason Greenwood and Jaime Mata were on target in that game, underlining their importance to Jose Bordalas’ side. However, Getafe’s home form has been a cause for concern, with just two wins from their last five games at the Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, come into this game licking their wounds after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid. That result extended their winless run to four games, a sequence that has seen them drop valuable points in the race for European qualification. Ernesto Valverde’s men currently occupy fifth place, but their away form has been far from convincing, with just one win in their last seven games on the road.

The bookmakers have installed Athletic Bilbao as slight favorites, with Betfred pricing them at 5/4 to claim all three points. Getafe, however, are not to be underestimated, and Unibet’s odds of 11/4 for a home win could represent value for the more adventurous punters. For those expecting a cagey affair, William Hill has the draw priced at 11/5.

Historically, there has been little to separate these two sides, with their last seven meetings producing six draws, including a 2-2 stalemate in the reverse fixture earlier this season. This stat, coupled with the high stakes involved, suggests that a cagey and cautious affair could be on the cards.

In terms of goalscorer bets, Borja Mayoral and Mason Greenwood are likely to be popular choices for Getafe, with bet365 offering odds of 12/5 and 10/3 respectively for them to score anytime. For Athletic Bilbao, Gorka Guruzeta has been in red-hot form, netting 14 goals in La Liga this season, including six in his last 10 games. Unibet has priced him at an enticing 23/10 to continue his scoring run.

For those seeking value in the goals markets, BetVictor has over 3.5 goals priced at 4/1, while over 2.5 goals is available at 29/20. With both teams boasting potent attacks, the 21/20 on offer from 888Sport for both teams to score could also be worth considering.

Additionally, given the tendency for goals to be scored in the second half in the reverse fixture, Paddy Power’s odds of 6/5 for the second half to be the highest-scoring half could be an interesting proposition.

As the season enters its final stretch, every point is precious, and both Getafe and Athletic Bilbao will be desperate to emerge victorious in this crucial encounter. With European places at stake, the stage is set for a pulsating clash that could have far-reaching consequences for both clubs’ aspirations. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: neutrals are in for a treat as two evenly matched sides go head-to-head in what promises to be a La Liga thriller.