Athletic Bilbao Form
Ernesto Valverde's side are showing their trademark Basque resilience, especially after an important victory over Alaves (4:2), where Athletic Bilbao scored four goals after the interval. The home ground at San Mames remains a formidable weapon for the hosts: this season they have recorded nine wins in 17 home rounds here. Despite problems in defence (50 goals conceded), the attack led by Gorka Guruzeta (nine goals) and the Williams brothers is functioning well.
Key figures for Athletic Bilbao:
Athletic Bilbao have scored in eight of their last nine matches at San Mames.
The hosts have conceded in six of their previous seven home games.
Valverde's team have received seven red cards this season; only Oviedo (eight) and Rayo Vallecano (nine) have more.
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon – Andoni Gorosabel, Yeray Alvarez, Aymeric Laporte, Yuri Berchiche – Alejandro Rego, Mikel Jauregizar – Inaki Williams, Unai Gomez, Nico Williams – Gorka Guruzeta.
Unavailable: Benat Prados (injury), Maroan Sannadi (doubtful).
Valencia Form
Valencia are going through a deep crisis. Carlos Corberan's side feel extremely insecure away from home, with only three wins in 17 away league matches. After a goalless defeat to Atletico Madrid (0:2), the club's psychological state leaves much to be desired. On top of problems on the pitch, there is a catastrophic personnel situation – the treatment room is packed with key players from the defence and midfield.
Key figures for Valencia:
Valencia have received only 65 cards over the season (fewer only for Real Madrid and Barcelona).
Valencia have failed to win at San Mames in six consecutive matches.
Corberan's side concede after the interval in five matches in a row.
Probable lineup (4-4-2): Stole Dimitrievski – Renzo Saravia, Cesar Tarrega, Pepelu, Jose Gaya – Luis Rioja, Javi Guerra, Guido Rodriguez, Filip Ugrinic – Umar Sadiq, Largie Ramazani.
Unavailable: Mouctar Diakhaby, Jose Copete, Dimitri Foulquier, Julen Agirrezabala, Eray Comert, Thierry Correia (all injured), Lucas Beltran (doubtful).
