Athletic Club vs. Girona Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 8 February 2025 - bettingexpert
Catch the thrilling action at San Mamés as fourth-placed Athletic Club hosts seventh-placed Girona in LaLiga’s 23rd round. Athletic Club, having scored in 86% of their matches, are the bookmakers’ favorite with odds of 1.65. With their solid home performance, they haven’t lost in 13 consecutive matches in the tournament.
Girona, fresh off a 2-1 win over Las Palmas, will aim to improve their away record. However, they’ve struggled on the road recently, winning only one of their last five games.
Expect a robust clash with Ernesto Valverde’s men looking to continue their unbeaten home streak. Our tip recommends an Athletic Club win, considering their solid defense and efficient attack.
Athletic Club vs Girona Prediction & Betting Tip
Based on current form, we recommend betting on an Athletic Club win. Athletic Club have shown impressive consistency at home and have scored in 86% of their matches this season. Girona’s away form, on the other hand, has been shaky, making this bet valuable.
| Athletic Club vs Girona Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Athletic Club to win | 1.65 |
- Athletic Club have won their last two home encounters against Girona.
- Girona have struggled in away matches, winning only one of their last five.
- Athletic Club’s solid defence and potent attack provide a strong home performance.
With such a strong track record at home and Girona’s less impressive away form, this prediction carries a high chance of success.
Athletic Club vs Girona Odds
The odds for this LaLiga clash between Athletic Club and Girona make for interesting reading. With Athletic Club hailed as clear favourites, Girona face an uphill battle at San Mames. Bookmakers have provided the following betting odds:
| Athletic Club vs Girona Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Athletic Club | 1.65 |
| Draw | 3.77 |
| Girona | 5.27 |
Athletic Club’s strong home form has them tipped to secure a win, reflected in their odds of 1.65. With only one win in their last five, Girona’s odds of 5.27 highlight their struggle. A draw, sitting at 3.77, seems a plausible backup if Athletic Club’s form dips.
Given these odds, Athletic Club’s solid home performance and Girona’s shaky away form, a bet on the home team is both the safer and potentially rewarding choice.
Athletic Club Team Analysis
Athletic Club Recent Performance
Athletic Club comes into this match in decent form, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five games. They’ve managed to lock in a strong position, sitting 4th on the table with 41 points.
Here’s a quick look at their recent matches:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Betis | Athletic Club | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Athletic Club | Viktoria Plzen | 3-1 (Win) |
| Athletic Club | Leganes | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Besiktas | Athletic Club | 4-1 (Loss) |
| Celta Vigo | Athletic Club | 1-2 (Win) |
Athletic Club has kept one clean sheet in their last five games and averages 1.60 goals scored per match in the same period. Their defensive resilience and attacking efficiency make them formidable at San Mames.
Athletic Club Key Players
Athletic Club’s Oihan Sancet will be crucial in this match, having scored eight goals this season and playing a pivotal role as an attacking midfielder. He is on the radar of Manchester United, which shows how influential he has become. Fans will also be looking at Inaki Williams to use his pace effectively on the right wing.
Unai Simon’s presence in goal adds a layer of security, while Daniel Vivian and Yeray Álvarez are expected to be solid at the back. This defensive duo will face the challenge of containing Girona’s Cristhian Stuani, who has netted four goals.
Expected lineup for Athletic Club:
- Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
- Defenders: Andoni Gorosabel, Yeray Álvarez, Daniel Vivian, Yuri Berchiche
- Midfielders: Beñat Prados, Mikel Jauregizar, Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Alejandro Berenguer Remiro
- Forwards: Gorka Guruzeta
Athletic Club Suspensions & Injuries
Athletic Club will be missing some key players due to injuries, which could impact their overall performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta | Muscle injury | Mid February 2025 |
| Nico Williams | Hamstring injury | Doubtful |
| Unai Núñez | Muscle injury | Late February 2025 |
| Álvaro Djaló | Ankle injury | Early March 2025 |
Having Nico Williams as a doubtful addition might impact the attacking options for Ernesto Valverde’s side, limiting the speed and width that Williams provides on the right wing. The absence of Unai Núñez could weaken their central defense, putting additional pressure on the likes of Daniel Vivian and Yeray Álvarez to perform at their best. Yuri Berchiche and Andoni Gorosabel will have more responsibility in defense, and Sancet in the midfield will have to step up, especially in orchestrating play without Ruiz de Galarreta’s assistance.
Athletic Club Tactics and Formation
Athletic Club Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Gorka Guruzeta
- Midfield Playmakers: Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Alex Berenguer
- Defensive Setup: Beñat Prados and Mikel Jauregizar as double pivots
With an unbeaten streak at home, Athletic Club will likely employ an attacking strategy, especially between the 61-75 minute interval where they have been most effective this season. Ernesto Valverde will depend on Sancet’s creativity and goal-scoring ability, especially with Nico Williams doubtful. Defensively, the partnership of Yeray Álvarez and Daniel Vivian will aim to secure a solid backline in the absence of Unai Núñez.
Expect a well-balanced approach, combining resilient defense with dynamic attacking transitions.
Girona Team Analysis
Girona Recent Performance
Girona’s recent form has been quite inconsistent, with a clear struggle in securing wins.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Girona | Las Palmas | 2-1 (Win) |
| Girona | Arsenal | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Rayo Vallecano | Girona | 2-1 (Loss) |
| AC Milan | Girona | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Girona | Sevilla | 1-2 (Loss) |
Recent Form: WLLLL
In their last five matches, Girona’s performance has been disappointing with just one win and four losses. They have scored an average of one goal per game during this period and have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of these matches. With key players like Cristhian Stuani looking to find form, Girona needs to improve both in defense and attack to climb up the standings.
Girona Key Players
Girona will be looking to Cristhian Stuani, their top scorer with 4 goals, to make a significant impact in the upcoming match. Additionally, the creative spark in midfield will likely come from Yangel Herrera and Iván Martín, both crucial for supplying the forwards.
Expected lineup for Girona:
- Goalkeeper: Paulo Gazzaniga
- Defenders: Arnau Martínez, David López, Ladislav Krejčí, Miguel Gutiérrez
- Midfielders: Yangel Herrera, Yaser Asprilla, Iván Martín Núñez
- Attackers: Viktor Tsygankov, Abel Ruiz, Bryan Gil
One key individual battle will be Abel Ruiz against Bilbao’s centre-backs Daniel Vivian and Yeray Álvarez. Additionally, the midfield tussle between Herrera and Mikel Jauregizar could provide a vital edge in controlling the game.
Girona Suspensions & Injuries
As of now, Girona has no players listed under suspensions or injuries, giving coach Miguel Angel Sanchez a full squad to choose from for the upcoming match against Athletic Club.
Here is the current status:
Suspensions:
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| – | – | – |
Injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| – | – | – |
Having a fully-fit squad can significantly boost Girona’s chances, especially on the road. This will allow Sanchez to deploy his strongest side, which could make the difference against a high-flying Athletic Club team.
Girona Tactics and Formation
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Abel Ruiz
- Midfield Trio: Yangel Herrera, Yaser Asprilla, Iván Martín Núñez
- Defensive Structure: Arnau Martínez, David López, Ladislav Krejčí, Miguel Gutiérrez
- Notable Strategy: Preference for counter-attacks and wide play through their wingers
Miguel Ángel Sánchez seems likely to stick with a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing a balanced approach both defensively and offensively. The midfield trio, led by Herrera, is expected to play a crucial role in transitions, looking to push the ball quickly to the attacking trio, with a particular focus on the pace and dribbling ability of Bryan Gil and Viktor Tsygankov on the flanks. Girona will concentrate on maintaining a compact defense and look to exploit any spaces left by Athletic Club, especially during quick counter-attacks.
Athletic Club vs Girona Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Girona | Athletic Club | 2-1 |
| Athletic Club | Girona | 3-2 |
| Girona | Athletic Club | 1-1 |
| Athletic Club | Girona | 2-3 |
| Girona | Athletic Club | 2-1 |
Girona have had the upper hand in recent matches, winning three out of the last five encounters.
Athletic Club, however, seems to perform better at San Mames, securing one home win recently.
This historical context sets the stage for a potentially competitive fixture on February 8, 2025.
Odds accurate as of 02.06.2025 15:16, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
