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Athletic Bilbao logo
La Liga | Gameweek 2
Aug 21, 2022 at 4.30pm UK
San Mamés Barria
Valencia logo

Athletic Bilbao
1 - 0
Valencia

Berenguer (42')
Vivian (12'), Muniain (68'), Simon (79'), Berchiche (86'), Alvarez (88')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Musah (23'), Diakhaby (74')

Preview: Athletic Bilbao vs. Valencia - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's La Liga clash between Athletic Bilbao and Valencia, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Valencia make the trip to face Athletic Bilbao on Sunday afternoon looking to build on making the perfect start to the new La Liga campaign.

Meanwhile, the home side are playing a second home game in succession after being held to a goalless draw by Mallorca.


Match preview

Ernesto Valverde pictured on January 9, 2020© Reuters

With Ernesto Valverde back in the dugout, everyone associated with Athletic Bilbao have high hopes for another solid campaign in La Liga.

However, Valverde was left frustrated in their opening fixture as Mallorca held his side to a 0-0 draw at San Mames.

Although positives will be taken from getting a point on the board, Athletic had been expected to take advantage of home territory, and there is now a bit of pressure ahead of welcoming Valencia.

That said, Athletic may benefit from facing opponents who are expected to show more ambition, with Mallorca having operated with a 5-4-1 system.

Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso on May 16, 2021© Reuters

As for Valencia, Gennaro Gattuso went with a 4-3-3 against Girona, even if he was ultimately reliant on a goal from the penalty spot just after half time.

While Gattuso would have been slightly frustrated with only prevailing through that method, getting maximum points on the board was most important as he looks to keep his new club in the top half of the table.

Even though star man Goncalo Guedes has been sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Gattuso can have few complaints with the club's business in the transfer market.

Securing the services of Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez on a season-long loan deal is a huge coup for the club, and the youngster is eventually expected to become a mainstay in the starting lineup.

Although that may not occur at the weekend, Valencia are on their way to replacing the quality lost from last season's squad, and another triumph on Sunday may encourage other talent to make the switch to the Mestalla before the end of the summer transfer window.

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:
  • D

Valencia La Liga form:
  • W


Team News

Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez pictured in April 2022© Reuters

Athletic are again expected to be without defender Inigo Martinez who is currently suffering with knee issues.

Chances could be few and far between with Oier Zarraga seemingly most likely to earn an opportunity in central midfield.

Meanwhile, Valencia will have to make do without Eray Comert after his dismissal in the second half of the win over Girona.

Teenage centre-back Cristhian Mosquera could be drafted into the middle of the backline, but Jose Gaya remains absent through suspension.

Gonzalez and Maxi Gomez are expected to remain among the replacements.

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Zarraga, Vesga, Muniain; Williams, Villalibre, Berenguer

Valencia possible starting lineup:
Mamardashvili; Correia, Mosquera, Diakhaby, Vazquez; Musah, Guillamon, Soler; Castillejo, Duro, Lino


SM words green background

We say: Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Valencia

While Athletic will fancy their chances of getting back on track at the weekend, we cannot dismiss Valencia who feel rejuvenated under Gattuso. With that in mind, the visitors could edge this contest by the odd goal in three, keeping the momentum at the Mestalla going for another week.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a home win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home Win:data


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Game History

How you voted: Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia

Athletic Bilbao
35.0%
Draw
25.0%
Valencia
40.0%
20
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Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez pictured in April 2022
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona11100137102730
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Villarreal116322019121
4Osasuna126331716121
5Atletico MadridAtletico11551167920
6Athletic Bilbao115331711618
7Real BetisBetis11533119218
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10GironaGirona124351517-215
11Sevilla114341215-315
12Celta Vigo114161720-313
13AlavesAlaves124171419-513
14Real Sociedad11335810-212
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe1117389-110
17Espanyol113171019-910
18Las PalmasLas Palmas112361319-69
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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