Match Overview
The 5th round match between Valencia and Athletic Bilbao will take place on September 20 at the Mestalla stadium. Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao: prediction and bet, odds, statistics.
Valencia Team Analysis
Carlos Corberan’s side suffered a crushing 0:6 defeat away to Barcelona in the last round. Interestingly, the Valencian team did not register a single shot on goal in the first half, a first for them since February 2023. Nevertheless, Valencia has 4 points after 4 matches and is currently 15th. It is also worth noting that the 3:0 victory over Getafe in the third round is the club’s only win in their last seven encounters (2 draws and 4 losses).
Valencia Key Statistics
- No more than two goals were scored in 5 of Valencia’s last 7 matches.
- At home, the team has not lost in 7 of their previous 8 championship games (5 wins and 2 draws).
- Valencia has conceded no more than 1 goal in their last 8 home matches in .
Valencia Probable Lineup (5-3-2)*
Julen Agirrezabala – Jose Luis Gaya, Cesar Tarrega, Mouctar Diakhaby, Jose Manuel Copete, Dimitri Foulquier – Xavi Guerra, Baptiste Santamaria, Diego Lopez – Arnaud Danjuma, Hugo Duro.
Athletic Bilbao Team Analysis
The Basques started the championship with three consecutive victories, which placed them at the top of the league table alongside Real Madrid. However, in the last round, the team unexpectedly lost 0:1 at home to Alaves. The absence of head coach Ernesto Valverde from the touchline likely played a role. As a result, the club dropped to 3rd place, falling behind Barcelona.
Athletic Bilbao Key Statistics
- In their last 10 matches, Athletic Bilbao has secured 7 victories (1 draw and 2 defeats).
- At least one team failed to score in 9 of the Basques’ previous 11 championship games.
- No more than two goals were scored in 14 of the club’s last 17 matches.
Athletic Bilbao Probable Lineup (4-3-3)*
Unai Simon – Yuri Berchiche, Daniel Vivian, Jesus Areso, Aitor Paredes – Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar, Oihan Sancet – Gorka Guruzeta, Alex Berenguer, Inaki Williams.
Team News: Athletic Bilbao
Head coach Ernesto Valverde will miss another 3 matches due to disrespectful conduct towards the referee. Goalkeeper Alex Padilla will also miss the next two matches due to suspension. Defender Yeray Alvarez is suspended for 10 months due to a doping violation. Forward Nico Williams is out for 6 weeks due to an injury.
Match Referee Profile
Miguel Angel Ortiz (Spain) Matches – 21 (, 2024/2025–2025/26);Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 76;Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;Red cards shown – 4;Average fouls per match – 20;Penalties awarded – 14%.Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Match Prediction
Both opponents approach this upcoming match following disappointing defeats in the championship. It is crucial for both teams to earn points in this game to regain confidence, which suggests a very tough and closely contested battle. In such encounters, high-scoring outcomes are unlikely, and therefore, I believe the clubs will score no more than two goals in total.
This number of goals has been scored in 12 of the previous 15 head-to-head matches in . It is also worth noting that Valencia plays strong defense at home, and fewer than three goals have been seen in 5 of their last 7 matches. Athletic Bilbao also prefers low-scoring football away from home – this has occurred in 8 of their last 9 away championship matches. Additionally, the Basques have conceded only 4 goals in their last 9 away fixtures.
My prediction is – “Total Goals Under 2.5” with odds of
1.62
* For each team, the starting lineup from their previous match in this tournament is indicated.
Mark Thompson
