Ath Bilbao vs Oviedo Prediction & Betting Tips (9 November)

What to say about this Bilbao team which seems sluggish in substance. The results do not correspond to the expectations placed on the Basque club which amazed everyone last season. However, no major maneuvers during the transfer window and a coach still on duty. Last weekend, chasing a landmark victory in the heart of the Basque derby against Real Sociedad, Bilbao lost once again 3-2. The Lions were also looking to get back on track after their narrow defeat against Getafe at home 0-1 or a draw at Elche 0-0. 11th in the standings, Bilbao will have to quickly get back into it. And it started during the week, on the side of St. James Park against Newcastle in the Champions League, result to come.

 On the other hand, expectations are lower for Real Oviedo which is making its return to La Liga after 24 years of drought. However, the supporters intend to stay in the 1st division and avoid taking the elevator at the end of May. To do this, Oviedo will have to start winning a few matches, or at least avoid losing too many. Only one victory after 11 matches but above all 7 defeats are already to the Carbayones' credit. Note that last weekend, for the first time this season, Oviedo lost a second match in a row in La Liga. Indeed, he held Osasuna to a 0-0 home draw after his prolific points sharing on the Girona turf 3-3. In the ranking, the promoted still occupies 19th place in the elite. 

In this Bilbao team, central defender Yeray Alvarez is suspended for doping while Egiluz is on the sidelines due to a serious injury. Midfielder Prados suffers from the same injury (cruciate ligaments) and will not play football for several months. Offensive Inaki Williams is injured and a return would be considered for the month of December. We don't stop there since Moroccan international striker Sannadi is also sidelined following his meniscus operation while Nico Williams is said to be suffering from pubalgia and Oihan Sancet is said to have relapsed. Defender Lekué will serve a suspension this evening. Left back Yuri Berchiche is announced as doubtful but should hold his starting position well. In the end, Ernesto Valverde (coach) should line up the two scorers from last weekend against Real Sociedad: Gorka Guruzeta (first goal in La Liga this season) and Robert Navarro (2 goals in the league).

 At Real Oviedo, much fewer defections to report apart from the injuries of Brekalo (ex-Fiorentina or Wolfsburg), manager Santi Cazorla, Ejaria (5 appearances in La Liga) and Alvaro Lemos (absent since the start of the season). Recently, it was defender Javi Lopez (starter against Osasuna) who could have suffered a physical breakdown and possibly miss this trip to the legendary San Mamés. The Uruguayan international Federico Vinas (1 goal in La Liga) will be present as will the former center forward of Pachuca (Mexico) Rondon (2 goals in La Liga) or the French winger Hassan (1 assist in La Liga).  The probable line-ups for Athletic Bilbao - Real Oviedo: Athletic Bilbao: Simon - Gorosabel, Vivian, Laporte (or Paredes), Berchiche - Galarreta, Jauregizar - Berenguer, Gomez, Navarro - Guruzeta.Real Oviedo: Escandell - Vidal, Costas, Carmo, Lopez - Colombatto, Dendoncker - Vinas, Reina, Chaira - Rondon.