Form and Line-up of Espanyol
Espanyol have been the biggest anomaly of the season. The team that were in the upper part of the table in the first half of the campaign have completely collapsed in 2026 (six draws and 12 defeats). After another fiasco against Sevilla (1:2), head coach Manolo Gonzalez kept his job, but he no longer has any margin for error. Despite decent attacking output at home (average xG 1.52), the Parrots are being ruined by their defence (53 goals conceded this season). However, at their own stadium the hosts have generally fared well against Athletic, losing only once in the last nine home meetings.
Key numbers for Espanyol:
Espanyol have lost the second half in four of their last five matches.
In 17 of their last 19 La Liga matches the Parrots have conceded at least one goal.
In seven of the last nine meetings between Espanyol and Athletic the bet Both teams to score – Yes has won.
Probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Marko Dmitrovic — Omar El Hilali, Clemens Riedel, Leandro Cabrera, Jose Salinas — Edu Exposito, Urko Gonzalez — Ruben Sanchez, Ramon Terrats, Pere Milla — Roberto Fernandez.
Absentees: Cyril Ngonge, Javi Puado (injuries), Tyrese Dolan, Fernando Calero (suspensions).
Form and Line-up of Athletic Bilbao
Athletic are going through a period of uncertainty: Ernesto Valverde is seeing out his final matches before the arrival of Edin Terzic. Three defeats in the last five rounds have cast doubt on their participation in European competition next season.
The main problem is injuries to key players. The loss of Nico Williams with a hamstring injury in the match against Valencia (0:1) was a huge blow to an already modest attacking threat (40 goals this season). Away from home Athletic turn into a pale shadow of themselves: only four wins all season and 31 goals conceded on their travels.
Key numbers for Athletic:
Athletic have kept a clean sheet only once in their last 19 La Liga matches.
Athletic have received seven red cards this season – only Oviedo (10) and Rayo Vallecano (nine) have more.
Athletic have conceded in the first half in eight of their last nine away matches.
Probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon — Andoni Gorosabel, Yeray Alvarez, Aymeric Laporte, Yuri Berchiche — Mikel Auregisar, Alejandro Rego Mora — Robert Navarro, Mikel Vesga, Inaki Williams — Gorka Guruzeta.
Absentees: Benat Prados, Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet (injury), Marouane Sannadi, Unai Eguiluz (doubtful).
