Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid Prediction and Preview – 20/04/16
La Liga preview – Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid prediction.
Borja Viguera is set to lead the attack for Athletic Bilbao in the absence of leading scorer Aritz Arduriz and doubts about the fitness of Inaki Williams. Centre-back Sabier Etxeita is in line for a recall to the back four which could allow Mikel San Jose to move into midfield. Right-back Inigo Lekue has been playing a more advanced role on the wing and faces competition from Markel Susaeta. Sabin Merino is unavailable until next month while Aymeric Laporte is out for the season.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone will make changes to the side that defeated Granada 3-0 on Sunday. Left-back Filipe Luis returns following suspension which means Lucas Hernandez is likely to return to the bench. Gabi will be absent from midfield while he serves a suspension which could see Augusto Fernandez return to the lineup. Jose Gimenez and Thiago are working their way back to full fitness after recovering from injury and will watch from the sidelines.
Possible Line-ups
Athletic Bilbao 4-2-3-1 formation: Iraizoz; de Marcos, Gurpegi, Etxeita, Balenziaga; Benat, San Jose; Lekue, Garcia, Muniain; Viguera
Atletico Madrid 4-4-2 formation: Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Luis; Niguez, Fernandez, Koke, Carrasco; Torres, Griezmann
Statistics
- Athletic Bilbao have won 6 drawn 1 and lost 3 of their last 10 matches
- Atletico Madrid have won 7 drawn 1 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Athletic Bilbao have scored an average of 1.4 goals and conceded an average of 0.9 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Atletico Madrid have scored an average of 2.4 goals and conceded an average of 0.7 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Athletic Bilbao’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 8 of Atletico Madrid’s previous 10 matches