Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

Both Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid suffered defeats last weekend to the top 2 teams in La Liga, and this fixture provides an opportunity for either or both of them to pick up at least one point.

Thanks to the outstanding brilliance of Kylian Mbappe, Athletic Bilbao suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in their last home game. The defeat came after a flawless 2-0 victory they had against Levante.

While Atletico Madrid also suffered an ill-fated 3-1 defeat to Barcelona, this happens to be the second defeat for the Los Rojiblancos in their last 10 matches.

Diego Simeone's men will be hoping to put the recent loss to table leaders behind them and get back to winning ways. Playing an inconsistent Bilbao side will likely provide that opportunity for the team.

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Recent H2H records between Bilbao and Atletico have seen both teams share the spoils equally. In the last 10 matches, the Lions have won 5 matches, which is the same number of wins their visitors also have.

The last time a match involving these two teams ended in a draw was as far back as 2021, when they played goalless. Ever since, their matches have produced a winner, and we expect either of the two teams to take advantage of this when they meet on Saturday.

Ernesto Valverde has a few injury concerns to deal with while preparing for this fixture. The manager will be without Maroan Sannadi, Unai Egiluz, Benat Prados, and Robert Navarro. Yeray Alvarez will also not be available due to suspension.

However, Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams will be available to spearhead the attacking line of Valverde's side. This will give the home side the energy needed to cause trouble for Atletico.

For the visitors, the defeat to Barcelona will likely prompt the coach to make a few changes to the club. However, we still expect Argentine striker Julian Alvarez to lead the attack.

In the absence of Marcos Llorente and Robin Le Normand, Simeone will have to give Molina and Gimenez full minutes to stop the sharp attacks of Athletic Club.

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simon; Vivian, Lekue, Laporte, Boiro; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Sancet, Berenguer, N Williams; Guruzeta

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Molina, Gimenez, Lenglet, Hancko; Barrios, Simeone, Koke, Gallagher; Sorloth, Alvarez

With the need to put their last defeats behind them, Bilbao and Atletico come into this fixture to try and take all three points. While the visitors have enjoyed a more consistent run of form recently, you cannot take it away from the host.

We are backing Atletico Madrid to have the edge, and you can stake on them to win at Livescorebet. We also do not expect this game to produce plenty of goals.

Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Atletico Madrid

• Bet on Atletico Madrid to win or draw

• Under 3.5 goals

• Over 2.5 yellow cards