Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the LaLiga match.
Athletic Bilbao have opened the season with three wins and are joint-top with Real Madrid. At home they are traditionally strong and rarely drop points. Deportivo Alavés have started with mixed results, and the visitors now face a stern examination in the Basque derby, where they have not won in competitive fixtures since 2020.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao took maximum points from their opening games, beating Sevilla (3:2), Rayo Vallecano (1:0) and Real Betis (2:1). The Basques look balanced: a reliable defence, the knack for scoring at key moments, and strong home statistics — 17 of their last 18 matches at San Mamés ended unbeaten (12 wins, five draws). The major setback is an injury to Nico Williams sustained against Turkey (6:0), which rules him out for six weeks. However, the attack still features the experienced Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet and Maroan Sannadi, who scored against Sevilla FC.
Deportivo Alavés
Deportivo Alavés have collected four points from three rounds: a win over Levante UD (2:1), a draw with Atlético Madrid (1:1) and a defeat to Real Betis (0:1). The visitors are cautious, prioritising a compact defence, but issues in attack are evident. Across their previous 18 matches, including friendlies, they have scored more than once on only two occasions. Their record against Athletic Bilbao is modest: five losses and three draws since 2020.
Athletic Bilbao vs Deportivo Alavés Prediction
Athletic Bilbao are strong at San Mamés, while Deportivo Alavés are too vulnerable away from home. The visitors offer little in attack, and their chances of taking points appear slim.
