Ath Bilbao vs Espanyol Prediction & Betting Tips (22 December)

Athletic is unrecognizable compared to last season but remains, even from a distance, a serious candidate for the race for the top 6 in La Liga. Ernesto Valverde's men even found a smile again by winning two of their last three meetings against Levante 0-2 and Atlético Madrid 1-0. In the meantime, the Basques had collapsed at home against Real Madrid 0-3. Last weekend, after a goalless draw in the Champions League against PSG 0-0, the Lions returned to their troubles on the turf of Celta Vigo 2-0. During the week, in a competition that he particularly likes, Athletic Bilbao traveled to Ourense in the Copa del Rey, result to come.

Espanyol Barcelona is the nice surprise of this first part of the La Liga season. 5th at the start of this day, the Catalan team had experienced a moment of doubt between September 20 and October 5, 4 days without a victory including 2 defeats but the period of doubt quickly diminished with no less than 6 victories during the last 8 performances in the elite. Last weekend, Espanyol simply piled up a fourth victory in a row in La Liga by beating Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez 0-1. Before that, Rayo Vallecano 1-0, Celta Vigo at Balaidos 0-1 and Sevilla FC 2-1 were all added to the Catalans' hunting table. 

For this match, central defender Vivian will be suspended (accumulation of yellow cards). Defensively, Yeray Alvarez is suspended for doping while Aymeric Laporte is injured just like Egiluz and Ben Prados (cruciate ligaments for the last two mentioned). Moroccan international Sannadi did not take part in the trip to the CAN due to his injury (out this evening). Suffering from ankle discomfort, Robert Navarro was uncertain during the week. Not qualified for the CAN with Ghana, Inaki Williams will be operational just like little brother Nico Williams, Spanish international (30 caps, 6 goals). Excluded against Rayo Vallecano at the end of the match, the corridor player Dolan should be back on the scoresheet today. On the other hand, the unfortunate captain Javi Puado should not have authorization from the medical staff to play today. Midfielder Ramon Terrats will also be missing (injury to the biceps femoris).

Against Getafe, it was central defender Cabrera who made the hot chocolate by scoring the only goal of the match. Otherwise, boys like Roberto Fernandez (4 goals, 2 assists), Pere Milla (5 goals) or even Kike Garcia (3 goals) are expected to tip the scales. The probable line-ups for Athletic Bilbao - Espanyol Barcelona: Athletic Bilbao: Simon - Areso, Lekue, Paredes, Boiro - Galarreta, Jauregizar - I.Williams, Sancet, N.Williams - Berenguer (or Guruzeta).Espanyol Barcelona: Dmitrovic - El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero - Gonzalez, Lozano - Dolan, Exposito, Milla - Fernandez.