Ath Bilbao vs Sporting CP Prediction & Betting Tips (28 January)

When we look at the chaotic start to Bilbao's campaign in this Champions League with defeats against Arsenal 0-2, Dortmund 4-1, Newcastle 3-0, without forgetting draws in Prague against Slavia 0-0 and encouraging for the reception of PSG 0-0, we wonder how it is possible to see the Basques installed in 23rd place in this league phase, or virtually qualified for the 1/16th of final. It must be said that Ernesto Valverde's men pulled off a very nice move last week on the turf of Atalanta Bergamo, winning 2-3. The victory at the start of the campaign against Qarabag 3-1 could also be important in the event of qualification for the play-offs. On the other hand, in the championship, it was the big decline for the Lions of San Mames, who were trying to avoid a fifth match without a win in the elite on the Seville turf the last weekend result to come. By offering themselves the reigning European champion last week PSG: 2-1, thanks to a double from Luis Suarez, Sporting 10th with 13 points allowed itself to get back into the race for the top 8. A victory clearly unexpected for the Lions of José Alvalade, being dominated practically the entire meeting.

In this Champions League campaign, Sporting had the merit of beating Club Bruges 3-0, Marseille 2-1 and Kairat Almaty 4-1. On the other hand, away from home, the Portuguese did not see the light of day in Napoli, losing 2-1, held to a draw in Turin against Juventus 1-1 and swept away in Munich against Bayern 3-1. In the championship, Sporting, reigning champion, is doing its best to keep up with a levitating Porto. Last weekend, he traveled to the Arouca pitch, results to come. 

The victory at Atalanta was a huge surprise for Athletic Bilbao who still traveled without the left side Berchiche, the central Aymeric Laporte, the Swiss army knife Berenguer, Egiluz, Ben Prados, the Moroccan Sannadi without forgetting to mention the Williams brothers: Nico (4 goals, 2 assists in La Liga) and Inaki (only 3 appearances in the Champions League), all injured. Inaki Williams will remain out, a return from injury is scheduled for the last half of February. Remember the suspension of Yeray Alvarez (doping). This evening, midfielder Jauregizar will remain at home due to a suspension to be served for accumulating yellow cards. The unimportant Izeta is not included on the list of players available to play in the Champions League. Midfielder Serrano made a comeback from injury with fanfare by scoring Bilbao's 2nd goal against Bergamo. Gorka Guruzeta also scored but the man of the match was Robert Navarro, scorer and double decisive passer during this game. Oihan Sancet is available.

Like Bilbao in Bergamo, Sporting won against PSG despite experiencing a lot of defections. Injured are Quaresma, Diomandé, Blopa, the crucial Pedro Goncalves (starter, 9 goals, 5 assists in the league), Ioannidis (substitute) without forgetting to mention the wingers Quenda (hopeful international) and Nuno Santos. A priori, everyone will be unable to evolve today. In addition, rookie Luis Guilherme (West Ham) cannot be registered at the moment, the lists will only be updated from the 1/8 finals. So many packages? No problem, the soldier and former resident of Olympique de Marseille Luis Suarez must have delighted the Marseille supporters by scoring a double against PSG last week (4 goals in C1). The latter is a wonderful replacement for a certain V.Gyokeres, having also scored 15 goals and 4 assists in the league this season.