Ath Bilbao – Sevilla : Preview & Prediction
On a magnificent five-game unbeaten streak in LaLiga Santander (LL), Athletic Club has rejoined the fierce fight for the European places. At the start of matchday 31, Los Leones are seventh, just one point behind Villarreal, having collected more points in the previous five matchdays than any other team (13 pts – G4, E1). Athletic are putting in a great performance in the final stretch of the championship, and the rojiblancos will be looking to link two league victories at San Mamés for the first time in 2023 against Sevilla FC.
Although Sevilla won at San Mames last season, Athletic have achieved no fewer than 50 home victories over Sevilla in the top flight (G50, E10, P18). Aside from their impressive all-time record against Los Blanquirrojos, it remains to be seen whether Athletic can snap a run of four LL home defeats on Thursdays.
After defeating Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, Sevilla gave their fans another triumph three days later with a 2-1 win over Villarreal. The Nervión outfit have now put the spectre of relegation at bay, but with an eight-point cushion over the red zone and just as many games remaining, José Luis Mendilibar’s side still need to work hard to achieve their objective.
Another positive away result under Mendilibar (G2, E1 away from home) would be an almost definitive step towards salvation, even allowing them to dream of qualifying for European competition. Sevilla’s attacking away form since Mendilibar’s arrival is worthy of note; the Blanquirrojos have scored two goals in each of their three outings under the new coach. All six of those goals have come in second halves, showing Sevilla’s ability to progress as the game progresses.
Players to watch: It’s no coincidence that rojiblanco striker Iñaki Williams and his club have improved results dramatically in recent weeks; in 16 of the last 19 goal-scoring performances by the eldest of the Williams brothers, Athletic have claimed victory (G16, E3). Youssef En-Nesyri scored Sevilla’s last-gasp winner against Villarreal, and the Moroccan attacker will be looking to be decisive again against an opponent against whom he has lost in four of his five career LL matches at San Mames.
Key stat: Only Real Madrid (11) have scored more goals by defenders in LL this season than Sevilla (9).
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Ath Bilbao – Sevilla : Betting Tips
BTS/YES Odds: 2.25
