Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid Betting Tips and Predictions: Team News and Lineups Preview - bettingexpert
There’s a race for a four finish in La Liga, as well as survival, and so our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid Prediction: In-form no.10 can’t be ignored
Spain, La Liga, Sunday, February 23rd, 13:00 (UK)
Despite drawing against Espanyol last time out, Athletic Bilbao remain firmly on track to finish in the top four. Securing Champions League is their number one aim, and having not lost in La Liga since 6th November, Bilbao sit four points clear of Villarreal.
Their home form has been up there this campaign. Only Atletico and Real Madrid have picked up more points in front of their own fans – but both have conceded more. Ernesto Valverde has built a side that is incredibly difficult to break down.
And while they might not be the most prolific goalscorers in the league, their no.10 has been a constant threat for the Basque based club. Of course, I’m talking about Oihan Sancet, who has scored five goals in his last three matches, including a hattrick against Girona when last seen at home.
The 24-year-old has 12 goals in 20 La Liga appearances, and only four players have scored more than him this season.
Although responsible from 12 yards, Sancet isn’t reliant on penalties to improve his tally. Operating in the no.10 role, his job is to support Gorka Guruzeta in his no.9 role, and find gaps the Williams brothers create by spreading the opponents defence wider than they’d like to operate.
While others find their way into attacking areas in the final third, Sancet is excellent at timing his runs to perfection, or holding it to lose his marker. Confident with his feet, or heading home from close range, Bilbao’s dynamic no.10 is in the form of his life while his club are playing some of their best football.
And with Valladolid travelling to Bilbao, the hosts will be licking their lips to add more goals, and of course three points to their name. Propping up the table eight points adrift, the visitors have conceded a staggering 52 goals this campaign.
Away from home, they’ve conceded 33, collecting just three points from a possible 36. They haven’t beaten Bilbao away from home since 2017, and have conceded at least two goals in their last three visits.
Completely out of form, having lost their last six away matches, Bilbao are incredibly short to secure the win. However, Sancet remains an enticing price to get on the scoresheet, and the no.10 is my best bet in this encounter on Sunday afternoon.
- Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid Prediction: Oihan Sancet to score anytime
- Best Odds: 2.50
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 5/10
Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid Prediction odds via bet365 as at 17:00, February 18th, 2025. Odds may now differ.
Athletic Bilbao vs Valladolid Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups
Athletic Bilbao’s forward Alvaro Djalo remains on the treatment table having struggled to get up to speed since his move from Braga. He will once again miss out on Sunday. As will Ruiz Galarreta, who has been out with a hamstring injury since January.
Valladolid will travel to Bilbao without their Moroccan midfielder Anuar who will be serving a one match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in their 4-0 defeat against Sevilla last weekend.
Venezuelan Darwin Machis may be given another opportunity in his absence, although he has yet to score for Valladolid since returning from his loan at Cadiz.
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; Boiro, Alvarez, Vivian, Gorosabel, Prados Diaz, de Galarreta, Williams, Gomez, Williams, Berenguer
Valladolid possible starting lineup:
Hein; Perez, Torres, Aidoo, Candela, Nikitscher, Aznou, Grillitsch, Martin, Machis, Latasa
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