Verdict: Athletic Bilbao win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Hoping to move within touching distance of the European spots on Friday night, Athletic Bilbao will welcome Elche to the Basque Country.
Athletic Bilbao
Starting with the hosts, while Athletic Bilbao might have watched their Copa del Rey adventure come to a frustrating end earlier in the month as they fell to a 1-0 loss against bitter local rivals Real Sociedad, Ernesto Valverde’s side claimed an immediate response last time out. Claiming a 2-1 victory away at Real Oviedo, the one-time Barcelona boss now has his sights firmly set on punching another European adventure this season. Including an action-packed 4-2 win against Levante on February 8th, Bilbao have won three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Enjoying what has become their most fruitful spell of the 2025/26 campaign and registering seven points from their last three La Liga battles, the Lions will certainly be smelling a golden opportunity at San Mames on Friday night.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
In what is a huge blow for Bilbao, the Lions have confirmed that attacking talisman and Spanish international Nico Williams is set to miss the next few weeks with a groin issue. Likewise, dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, the duo of Benat Prados Diaz and Morocco striker Maroan Sannadi will miss out here.
Completing a return to the Basque Country over the summer, ex-Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte will start at the heart of Bilbao’s defence. Recording seven goals across all competitions so far this calendar year, Gorka Guruzeta will lead Valverde’s attack at San Mames.
Elche
As for the visitors, at the heart of what has become an extended crisis, Elche have a real battle on their hands in the race to keep hold of their La Liga status in 2026. Opening Friday’s trip to the Basque Country holding just a one-point buffer over slipping into the relegation zone, Eder Sarabia’s side are regarded as a standout relegation candidate this season. Hit with consecutive 3-1 defeats against Real Sociedad and Barcelona on either side of opening February, Elche have failed to win any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions (five defeats, three draws). It should also be noted, along with mustering just a single La Liga victory away from the Estadio Martinez Valero so far this season, Sarabia’s men have lost their previous three straight matchups outside of Alicante by an aggregate score of 8-4.
Elche Team News
Yet to feature since opening the New Year, Barcelona loanee Hector Fort remains on the sidelines with a shoulder issue. However, despite serving a one-match suspension against Osasuna last weekend, Austrian international David Affengruber could be handed a full recall at the back.
Making a late cameo appearance off the bench last week after returning from a muscle issue, one-time Wolves striker Rafa Mir could get some more minutes under his belt. Despite notching just a sole La Liga strike since the start of October, former AC Milan striker Andre Silva should keep his spot leading the line.
Athletic Bilbao vs Elche Key Factors to Consider
- When Athletic Bilbao and Elche met for their reverse La Liga battle on October 19th, Friday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate in Alicante.
- The Lions have won three of their previous four domestic appearances across all competitions.
- Bilbao have also registered seven points from their previous three La Liga appearances.
- Elche have failed to win any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions (five defeats, three draws).
- Sarabia’s men have lost their previous three straight matchups outside of Alicante by an aggregate score of 8-4.
Conclusion
Enjoying what has become their most fruitful spell since back in October, Athletic Bilbao will certainly be smelling another golden opportunity here. Along with winning three of their previous four La Liga appearances, Friday’s hosts have also registered seven points from their last three top-flight showdowns. Knowing that they can move within touching distance of the European spots this weekend, we are backing a home victory in the Basque Country.
Verdict: Athletic Bilbao win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
