Verdict: Athletic Bilbao win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Desperately seeking a crucial La Liga boost on Tuesday night, Athletic Bilbao will welcome Girona to San Mames.
Athletic Bilbao
Starting with the hosts, although Athletic Bilbao might have come flying out of the traps as they won each of their opening three La Liga appearances, Ernesto Valverde’s men have come crashing back down to earth since returning from September’s international break. Getting their iconic Champions League return underway with a 2-0 loss at home against English giants Arsenal last week, the one-time Barcelona boss is desperately seeking an essential boost here. However, last seen over the weekend putting in another toothless performance as they fell to another 2-0 defeat against Valencia, Bilbao have failed to find the net since returning from September’s fortnight interval. However, cruising their way to a routine 3-0 victory when they last welcomed Girona to the Basque Country back on February 8th, Valverde’s side should be smelling a potential opportunity in midweek.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
Picking up a straight red card away at Valencia over the weekend, defensive talisman Dani Vivian will miss out through suspension here. Likewise, not featuring since returning from September’s international break, Nico Williams remains a major doubt.
Returning to San Mames on Deadline Day after completing a move from Saudi outfit Al-Nassr, former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte should make his second full La Liga debut. Despite still waiting to open his account this season, Inaki Williams will lead the line.
Girona
As for the visitors, enduring what has been a public crisis continuing on from last season, it is no secret that Girona are widely regarded as a standout relegation contender this year. Last seen over the weekend putting in another woeful performance as they slumped to an infamous 4-0 drumming at home against La Liga returners Levante, Michel finds the pressure on his shoulders at a boiling point. Getting the 2025/26 campaign underway with a 3-1 defeat against Rayo Vallecano, Girona have put just a single point on the board from any of their first five La Liga appearances. Likewise, hit with that routine 3-0 loss when they last travelled to the Basque Country back in February, Tuesday’s guests should be bracing themselves for another stern examination here.
Girona Team News
Both shown their own respective red cards against Levante over the weekend, Girona will be unable to call upon the suspended duo of Manchester City loanee Vitor Reis and former Atletico Madrid star Axel Witsel here.
Despite turning 35 earlier in the year, one-time Manchester United defender Daley Blind should keep his spot at the heart of Michel’s defence. Now entering his fourth campaign in Catalonia, former Tottenham goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga will start between the sticks on Tuesday night.
Athletic Bilbao vs Girona Key Factors to Consider
- When Athletic Bilbao and Girona last met back on February 8th, Tuesday’s hosts collected a routine 3-0 victory in the Basque Country.
- However, Bilbao have lost all of their three appearances across all competitions since returning from September’s international break.
- Girona have failed to win any of their first five La Liga appearances (four defeats, one draw).
- Already shipping 15 goals in their first five La Liga appearances, no team among Spain’s elite have shipped more goals the Girona.
- Continuing on from last season Girona have recorded just a single La Liga victory on their travels since the start of January.
Conclusion
While Athletic Bilbao might have failed to find their feet since returning from September’s international break, Valverde’s men should be smelling a golden opportunity here. Landing a thumping 3-0 victory when they last welcomed Girona to the Basque Country back in February, the one-time Barcelona boss will be dreaming of a repeat performance at San Mames. With the Blanquivermells enduring a public crisis continuing on from last season, we are backing a home win in midweek.
Verdict: Athletic Bilbao win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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