Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia

Athletic Bilbao and Valencia are set to trade tackles at the Estadio San Mames in an intriguing La Liga fixture.

Athletic Bilbao have got themselves back in contention for a European finish following a stellar 2-0 home triumph over Atletico Madrid last time out, making it two La Liga wins in a row. ‘Los Leones’ have been too hot to handle at San Mames of late, with just one defeat from their last seven home league matches (W5, D1) highlighting their confidence when playing in the Basque country. However, Marcelino Garcia Toral’s men have registered just a single victory in their ten previous La Liga meetings with Valencia (D5, L4), though they’re unbeaten in the last four (W1, D3). At home, Athletic have failed to beat Valencia in four consecutive La Liga H2Hs (D3, L1) since a 2-1 win in September 2016, their longest winless home league streak against them in the 21st century.

Meanwhile, Valencia will have to settle for another underwhelming mid-table finish after a run of five winless La Liga matches (D3, L2) condemned them to a dismal 10th place in the table. Indeed, ‘Los Murcielagos’ have managed a measly ten wins from 34 La Liga fixtures this season, their second-lowest tally at this point in their last 34 top-flight campaigns. Barring a 1-0 win at relegation-battling Elche, Jose Bordalas’ men have gone winless in three of their four previous away league games (D2, L1). Low scoring has been a common theme in Valencia’s recent La Liga contests on the road, as their last five such fixtures have all featured under 2.5 total goals. On a more positive note, though, Valencia have picked up a league-high ten away points from losing positions in this La Liga season.