In the previous round, Athletic Bilbao's five-match unbeaten streak ended with a 1:2 defeat against Girona, where they missed two penalties. Facing Espanyol, they have a great chance to return to winning ways.
Despite the defeat, losing key defender Aitor Paredes due to two yellow cards might not significantly impact Athletic Bilbao since their strength lies in their attack. They’ve only failed to score once this season, which was against Atlético Madrid. In total, they have netted 13 goals in nine matches.
Espanyol stopped their three-match losing streak with a 2:1 win over Real Mallorca, though they recorded just 0.78 xG, suggesting fortune played a part. They have struggled defensively, keeping just one clean sheet, and their attack is underwhelming, scoring nine goals with an xG of 8.4.
Given that Athletic Bilbao won both meetings last season and considering the current form of both teams, it's anticipated that Athletic Bilbao will continue this trend.
|
Ernesto Valverde
|
coach | ||
| Player | Matches | Goals | |
|
In squad
|
|||
|
Julen Agirrezabala Astúlez
|
gk. | 6 | -4 |
|
Alejandro Padilla Pérez
|
gk. | 5 | -6 |
|
Unai Simón
|
gk. | 0 | 0 |
|
Dani Vivian
|
df. | 8 | 1 |
|
Yuri Berchiche
|
df. | 7 | 0 |
|
Iñigo Lekue
|
df. | 6 | 0 |
|
Aitor Paredes Casamichana
|
df. | 5 | 1 |
|
Oscar De Marcos
|
df. | 5 | 0 |
|
Yeray Álvarez
|
df. | 4 | 0 |
|
Adama Boiro Boiro
|
df. | 3 | 0 |
|
Andoni Gorosabel
|
df. | 3 | 0 |
|
Unai Núñez
|
df. | 2 | 0 |
|
Unai Gómez Etxebarria
|
mf. | 9 | 0 |
|
Beñat Prados Díaz
|
mf. | 8 | 1 |
|
Oihan Sancet
|
mf. | 8 | 4 |
|
Mikel Jauregizar Alboniga
|
mf. | 7 | 1 |
|
Mikel Vesga
|
mf. | 7 | 0 |
|
Ander Herrera
|
mf. | 5 | 0 |
|
Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta
|
mf. | 5 | 0 |
|
Peio Canales Urtasun
|
mf. | 1 | 0 |
|
Gorka Guruzeta
|
fw. | 9 | 2 |
|
Iñaki Williams
|
fw. | 9 | 1 |
|
Álex Berenguer
|
fw. | 8 | 0 |
|
Nicholas Williams Arthuer
|
fw. | 7 | 1 |
|
Álvaro Djaló Dias Fernandes
|
fw. | 5 | 1 |
|
Javier Martón Ansó
|
fw. | 1 | 0 |
|
Nicolás Serrano Galdeano
|
fw. | 0 | 0 |
|
Manolo González
|
coach | ||
| Player | Matches | Goals | |
|
In squad
|
|||
|
Joan García
|
gk. | 9 | -13 |
|
Angel Fortuno
|
gk. | 0 | 0 |
|
Fernando Pacheco
|
gk. | 0 | 0 |
|
Carlos Romero
|
df. | 9 | 1 |
|
Omar El Hilali
|
df. | 9 | 0 |
|
Marash Kumbulla
|
df. | 8 | 1 |
|
Álvaro Tejero
|
df. | 8 | 0 |
|
Sergi Gómez
|
df. | 7 | 0 |
|
Brian Oliván
|
df. | 5 | 0 |
|
Leandro Cabrera
|
df. | 5 | 0 |
|
Fernando Calero
|
df. | 3 | 0 |
|
Alex Král
|
mf. | 9 | 0 |
|
Jofre Carreras
|
mf. | 9 | 2 |
|
José Gragera Amado
|
mf. | 9 | 0 |
|
Álvaro Aguado
|
mf. | 7 | 0 |
|
Pol Lozano
|
mf. | 6 | 0 |
|
Edu Expósito
|
mf. | 0 | 0 |
|
José Carlos Lazo
|
mf. | 0 | 0 |
|
Alejo Véliz
|
fw. | 9 | 1 |
|
Irvin Cardona
|
fw. | 8 | 0 |
|
Javi Puado
|
fw. | 8 | 3 |
|
Walid Cheddira
|
fw. | 7 | 0 |
|
Pere Milla
|
fw. | 5 | 0 |
|
Antoniu Roca
|
fw. | 3 | 0 |
|
Naci Ünüvar
|
fw. | 1 | 0 |
|
Kenneth Soler
|
fw. | 0 | 0 |
|
Max Svensson
|
fw. | 0 | 0 |
|
Omar Sadik
|
fw. | 0 | 0 |
|
Salvi Sánchez
|
fw. | 0 | 0 |
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