Athletic Bilbao vs. Valencia: Preview

Athletic Bilbao, having earned just one point from their opening two matches, will be aiming for their first win of the season when they host Valencia at San Mames on Wednesday. Valencia, on the other hand, is still searching for their first points of the campaign, having lost both of their initial La Liga games.

Athletic Bilbao entered the new season on the back of a successful 2023-24 campaign, which saw them finish fifth in the league and end a 40-year trophy drought by winning the Copa del Rey. With their strong performance last season, Athletic are considered potential challengers for a Champions League spot, though their promising prospects have been slightly dampened by a lackluster start to the new season.

Photo byPeter GlaseronUnsplash

Athletic Bilbao vs. Valencia: Team Form

Athletic Bilbao drew 1-1 with Getafe in their opening match and suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in their second game. Oihan Sancet scored a first-half penalty to equalize against Barcelona, but Robert Lewandowski’s goal in the 75th minute left Athletic with nothing from the match, extending their winless streak against Barcelona in league encounters to ten games.

Despite this setback, Athletic Bilbao will return to San Mames, where they have remained unbeaten in their last 19 La Liga matches since a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in August 2023. Valencia, who managed to avoid relegation last season and finished ninth under coach Ruben Baraja, have struggled to carry their form into the current campaign.

Valencia were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Barcelona at home and then suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Celta, leaving them as one of the only two teams yet to earn a point this season. They have not won any of their last nine La Liga matches and will be eager to secure their first league victory since April 15 when they visit San Mames on Wednesday.

Team News

Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde is still without Unai Simon, Aitor Paredes, and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta. Nico Williams, who picked up a muscular injury in the loss to Barcelona, missed Monday’s training and is doubtful for the midweek game. On a positive note, Alvaro Djalo is progressing well in his recovery and might be included in the squad, and goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala could make his season debut after recovering from injury.

Valencia also has several absentees, including Jose Gaya, Mouctar Diakhaby, Jaume Domenech, Fran Perez, and Sergi Canos. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to complete a permanent transfer to Liverpool but will be loaned back to Valencia, ensuring he remains available for the game on Wednesday. Luis Rioja, who joined from Alaves, made his debut as a substitute in the loss to Celta and could be in line for his first start for Valencia.

Athletic Bilbao vs. Valencia: Possible Starting XI

Athletic Bilbao: Agirrezabala; Gorosabel, Yeray, Vivian, Berchiche; Vesga, Prados Diaz; I Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta

Valencia: Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Mosquera, Gasiorowski, Vazquez; Lopez, Guillamon, Pepelu, Rioja; Mir, Duro

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Article originally written by Jaineel Kariya