Prediction: Athletic Bilbao vs Cadiz

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 29/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

La Liga football returns this week with another full slate of action from Spanish football’s top tier. Things are looking pretty tight both at the top and the bottom of the table but given that we’re still just coming out of the winter break, many teams are only just getting into a real rhythm. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should prove to be an intriguing encounter between Athletic Bilbao and Cadiz on Friday night.

Athletic Bilbao

In recent times, Athletic Bilbao have proven that they can mix it up with just about anyone on both the domestic and European stage. They’ve always been a club that knows how to stick to its morals and with a passionate fanbase behind them, it’s understandable to see why. Moving forward, their goal will be to continue to make progress both in La Liga and in the cup – although things have been up and down this season.

Team News

Williams is seen as a major doubt due to a hamstring problem here. Martinez could also miss out with a muscle issue.

Cadiz

A surge of form, combined with some exciting young players, has ensured that Cadiz are no longer viewed as one of the favourites for the drop. That could easily change as time goes on and the campaign progresses, but for now, they look like a club to keep an eye on. Of course, given how close it is down in the relegation battle, their priority will be scraping together a few wins to try and ease the pressure.

Team News

Sobrino and Alejo will both return from suspensions. However, Mari, Cala, Gil, Chust, Garrido and Zaldua are on the shelf.

Factors to Consider

• Bilbao are 9th in La Liga whereas Cadiz are 18th.
• Bilbao have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Cadiz have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Bilbao have scored five goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Cadiz have scored eight goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

Cadiz tend to keep things tight at the back and we think Bilbao will struggle to break them down in this one. The visitors will want to keep their strong run of form going but given Bilbao’s own priorities, and a hostile atmosphere, we think it’ll be tough for them to get going in the final third as they usually do. We’re going to shoot for a cagey 1-1 draw, with neither side being overly pleased with the result.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 29/10

Bookmaker: 888sport