Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker:
Hoping to find a route into the top-four on Thursday evening, Athletic Bilbao will travel to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan when they meet Sevilla.
Sevilla
Starting with the hosts, while Sevilla might have claimed a crucial 3-0 victory away at Granada on December 19th, Quique Sanchez Flores has a major job on his hands. Making an immediate return to losing ways last time out as they entered the festive interval with a 1-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid, the one-time Watford boss has seen his squad lose four of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Watching their Champions League adventure come to an end last month as they signed off their lackluster group stage run with a 2-1 loss against French outfit Lens, Sevilla are once again looking overhear shoulder at a looming relegation scrap. Opening the New Year holding just a three-point buffer from slipping into the relegation zone, Thursday’s hosts have also gained a reputation for their extended issues on home soil. In fact, Flores’ struggling squad have failed to win any of their last seven straight contests at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Team News
Dealing with what has been a real injury crisis this season, Sevilla will once again be without the likes of Marcus Acuna, Loic Bade, Jesus Navas and former Tottenham midfielder Eric Lamela on Thursday evening.
Opening his La Liga account against Granada last month, ex-Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos will once again partner Nemanja Gudelj at the heart of Flores defence. Despite failing to notch a single La Liga strike since the start of November, Morocco international Youssef En Nesyri should be handed a full recall here.
Athletic Bilbao
As for the visitors, while Athletic Bilbao might have been frustrated last season as they missed out on the chance to book a European return, the Lions are enjoying a major domestic flurry this time around. Heading into the festive break with another rugged performance as they secured a 1-0 victory against Las Palmas, Ernesto Valverde’s side are dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine Champions League charge in 2024. With the mood around San Mames at a continued high and receiving a string of praise, the former Barcelona boss will be calling on his squad to make another La Liga statement here. In fact, on a purple patch that is highlighted by a 2-0 victory against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid on December 16th, Bilbao are unbeaten in all of their previous 10 straight appearances across all competitions. Riding what has been a stellar wave of momentum, Thursday’s guests should be smelling a potential opportunity when they arrive at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in midweek.
Team News
Dealing with a long-term groin issue and not making a single La Liga appearance since back on October 7th, Athletic Bilbao are once again sweating over the fitness of homegrown defender Yeray Alvarez. However, the Lions are hopeful that Oscar de Marcos will overcome a recent ankle blow.
Coming off the bench and bagging a late winner against Las Palmas prior to Spain s festive break, 20-year-old Unai Gomez could be handed a first La Liga start on Thursday evening. ex-Manchester United ace Ander Herrera will once again partner Benat Prados Diaz at the heart of Valverde’s midfield.
Key Factors to Consider
