Athletic Bilbao vs Real Valladolid – Preview, H2H, Line-ups, Odds, Prediction | La Liga 2022-23

Spain's La Liga sets protocols for the return of fans
Spain's La Liga sets protocols for the return of fans

Athletic Bilbao will look to get back to winning ways when they welcome Real Valladolid to Estadio San Mamés this Tuesday.

Venue: Estadio San Mamés (Bilbao)

Key Statistics

Athletic Bilbao have kept four clean sheets at home this season.

They have won just one of their last six games in all competitions (D2, L3).

Real Valladolid have won only one of their last six away league games (D1, L4).

They have failed to score three of their six away games this season.

Both teams have scored in all but one of the last nine H2Hs.

Head to head

In six games between both sides, Real Valladolid have two wins, while Athletic Bilbao have just one win.

Latest performances in all competitions

Athletic Bilbao: L-W-L-D-L

Real Valladolid: W-L-W-W-L

Athletic Bilbao 

Athletic Bilbao endured a disappointing outing last weekend against Girona, but will now look to bounce back when they welcome Real Valladolid to the San Mames Barria. 

The Rojiblancos are yet to hit top gear under former Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde, and after 13 rounds of La Liga football, they have picked up six wins, three draws and four defeats, their latest being the loss to Girona.

Athletic Bilbao controlled the tie against Michael Muñoz’s side for large swathes of the game, but it will be the Catalan-based side who will break the deadlock in the 67th minute through a David Lopez strike. Ivan Martin doubled the lead for Girona eight minutes later, with Girona settling for a consolation goal from Gorka Guruzeta. 

Head coach Ernesto Valverde will be keen to see his side make a quick bounce back from their recent loss by taking maximum points from Valladolid. 

However, the Rojiblancos have picked up just one win in their last six games and this will be a cause of concern for the Spanish coach whose side sit just three points outside the top four. With the league coming to a halt in a few weeks because of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, Athletic Bilbao will be keen to keep their hopes of a top-four finish with a win over Valladolid. 

Possible Athletic Bilbao starting line-up

Unai Simon; Oscar de Marcos, Yeray Alvarez, Inigo Martinez, Yuri Berchiche; Mikel Vesga, Oihan Sancet; Nico Williams, Raul Garcia, Alex Berenguer; Inaki Williams.

Injured: Ander Herrera, Iker Muniain, Dani Garcia 

Doubtful: None 

Suspended: None 

Real Valladolid 

Real Valladolid will look to make it two wins in a row after their victory over relegation strugglers Elche, last weekend.

Elche’s Edgar Badia pulled out a string of super saves to keep waves upon waves of Valladolid attacks at bay.  

However, Juan Pacheta’s boys could finally beat the Spanish keeper, when Javi Sanchez tucked home a cutback from Gonzala Plata, five minutes from halftime.

The Ecuadorian winger once more stepped up to set up yet another goal immediately after the restart, sending yet another low cross across the Elche penalty box which Roque Mesa gleefully passed into the post to make it 2-0. Elche responded with a goal in the 63rd minute through Jose Antonio Fernandez, but Valladolid hung on for all three points to move into tenth position in the La Liga tables. 

Real Valladolid have made an impression in the League this season, after gaining back promotion last season, and Juan Pacheta and his boys look set to retain a topflight finish come next season with six points separating them from Celta Vigo in 18th place.

The Blanquivioletas come into this game in pleasant form, having picked up four wins in their last seven fixtures, with two defeats and one draw.  

Juan Pacheta will be keen to see his boys maintain their winning start to the new month and secure yet another vital win when they travel to the San Mames Barria, and with their record of one win and one draw in their last two meetings with the Bilbao based side, the Spanish tactician will fancy his team’s chances of getting another vital win when both teams take to the field.

Possible Real Valladolid starting line-up

Jordi Masip; Lucas Rosa, Joaquin Fernandez, Javi Sanchez; Lucas Olaza, Roque Mesa; Alvaro Aguado, Gonzalo Plata, Kike Perez, Oscar Plano; Sergio Leon.

Injured: Kenedy, Anuar, Sergio Escudero

Doubtful: Luis Perez

Suspended: None

Prediction

Athletic Club 1-1 Real Valladolid