As Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla gear up for their La Liga clash at San Mames on Sunday, fans and analysts are keenly evaluating both teams' prospects.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the form, team news, and predictions for this crucial match.
Form Overview
Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao will be looking to rebound after a midweek defeat to Celta Vigo, where they surrendered a lead to lose 2-1.
This setback quashed their lingering Champions League hopes. Ernesto Valverde's side has only one win in their last six matches, following a significant Copa del Rey victory against Mallorca.
Despite this inconsistent form, Athletic has secured Europa League qualification for the first time since 2017-18 and are close to ensuring a fifth-place finish, a feat last achieved eight years ago.
Their impressive home record—11 wins, six draws, and just one loss from 18 games—makes them formidable opponents at San Mames.
Sevilla
Sevilla, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back from consecutive stoppage-time defeats to Villarreal and Cadiz.
Under Quique Sanchez Flores, appointed in December, Sevilla has gathered 28 points from 20 matches. Currently poised to finish 12th for the second consecutive season, Sevilla still has a mathematical chance to break into the top half.
However, any slip might result in their worst league finish since the 1999-2000 season. Sevilla has fond memories of their last two trips to San Mames, both ending in 1-0 victories.
Team News
Athletic Bilbao will miss forward Gorka Guruzeta due to appendix surgery. However, key players Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, and Iker Muniain have resumed training and are expected to start, with Muniain set to play his final home game before leaving the club. Left-back Yuri Berchiche returns after suspension.
Sevilla faces several absences, including Oliver Torres, Nemanja Gudelj, Djibril Sow, Erik Lamela, and Isaac Romero.
Joan Jordan will replace the suspended Boubakary Soumare, while Suso might start after being benched midweek. Youssef En-Nesyri, aiming to add to his 15-goal tally, will lead the line.
Prediction
Given Athletic’s strong home performance and Sevilla’s resilience in away fixtures, a draw seems likely.
Our prediction: Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Sevilla
FAQ
When and where is the Athletic vs Sevilla match? The match between Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla is scheduled for Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 6 pm UK time. It will be held at San Mames Barria, Athletic Bilbao's home stadium.
What is the current form of Athletic Bilbao? Athletic Bilbao recently suffered a 2-1 defeat to Celta Vigo. They have only one win in their last six matches following their Copa del Rey victory against Mallorca. Despite this, they have secured Europa League qualification for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
How has Sevilla been performing lately? Sevilla is coming off two consecutive defeats against Villarreal and Cadiz, both due to stoppage-time goals. They have collected 28 points from 20 matches under manager Quique Sanchez Flores and are on course to finish 12th for the second straight season.
What is the prediction for the Athletic vs Sevilla match? Given Athletic Bilbao's strong home record and Sevilla's determination to finish the season positively, a draw is predicted. The likely scoreline is Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Sevilla.
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