Ath Bilbao vs Alaves Prediction & Betting Tips (19 September)

Athletic Bilbao meet Deportivo Alavés at San Mamés on Saturday, 19 September 2026, with kick-off at 14:15 UTC / 16:15 CEST in Spain’s LaLiga. The hosts are looking to build on a 1-1 draw with Elche and an impressive 3-0 win over Atlético Madrid, while Alavés arrive after a 2-1 defeat at Racing Santander and a high-scoring 5-2 victory over Osasuna. The latest team news favors neither side completely: Athletic are missing Iñaki Williams, Gorka Guruzeta, Peio Canales, Daniel Vivian and Unai Egiluz, while Alavés are without Aitor Mañas, Facundo Garcés and Mikel Rodríguez.

For the 2026/2027 season, Edin Terzić’s Athletic squad features Unai Simón and Padilla in goal; Aitor Paredes, Yeray, Areso, Laporte, Rincón, Yuri and Egiluz in defence; Beñat Prados, Oihan Sancet, Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar, Rego, Gerenabarrena and Canales in midfield; and Álex Berenguer, Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams, Guruzeta, Maroan, Nico Serrano, Navarro and A. Djaló in attack. Quique Sánchez Flores has Antonio Sivera, Adrián Rodríguez and Swiderski available as goalkeepers; Valentini, Koski, Garcés, Enríquez, Tenaglia, Jonny, Hugo Novoa and Abqar among the defenders; Antonio Blanco, Protesoni, Pablo Ibáñez, Aleñá, Guevara, Mikel Rodríguez, Diallo and Denis Suárez in midfield; and Rebbach, Miguel Rodríguez, Ángel Pérez, Toni Martínez, Lucas Boyé, Aitor Mañas and Mariano Díaz as attacking options.

Tactically, Athletic’s wide threat from Nico Williams and Berenguer, combined with Sancet’s movement between the lines, should test an Alavés side that has looked productive going forward but occasionally vulnerable defensively. Alavés’ compact 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 setup, Antonio Blanco’s protection in front of the defence and Denis Suárez’s creativity give them a clear counter-attacking route, especially against an Athletic team forced to adapt without Iñaki Williams and Guruzeta. Set pieces, second balls and the direct running of Maroan could become important for the home side.

European decimal odds currently place Athletic Bilbao as the clear favorite at around 1.80, with the draw near 3.90 and an Alavés win around 5.00. That market view supports a tight home victory rather than a one-sided contest, and San Mamés could provide the decisive edge. Our prediction is Athletic Bilbao 1 : 0 Ala