Analysis and prediction for Athletic Bilbao vs Real Valladolid: The visitors will take the lead.

Latest team news for Athletic Bilbao vs Real Valladolid

Athletic Bilbao will face their upcoming match without Álvaro Djaló due to an ankle injury. Additionally, Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta's availability remains uncertain due to a hamstring issue.

Coach Valverde may make a few adjustments to the lineup that played in the last match against Espanyol, most notably the return of Nico Williams on the left wing. This change could mean that Álex Berenguer will be moved to the central striker position.

Mikel Vesga and Gorka Guruzeta are also on the list of options the Spanish strategist is considering, but it is likely that both players will have to wait for their opportunity from the bench when the match starts on Sunday.

On the other side of the pitch, Real Valladolid welcomes back Marcos André after he completed his suspension. However, the team will be without Selim Amallah and Anuar Tuhami, both of whom are suspended.

The visiting team also continues to face the absence of one of their brightest talents, Raúl Moro, due to a collarbone injury. In addition, Javi Sánchez's availability is also uncertain due to a muscle-related issue.

Darwin Machís is likely to feature in the starting lineup and directly replace Tuhami. Meanwhile, Juanmi Latasa is expected to relinquish his starting spot in attack to Marcos André after serving his suspension.

Latest predicted lineups for Athletic Bilbao vs Real Valladolid

Athletic Bilbao:

Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Yeray, Boiro; Jauregizar, Prados; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Berenguer

Real Valladolid:

Hein; Perez, Aidoo, Torres, Candela; Machis, Grillitsch, Nikitscher, Martin, Aznou; Andre

Latest football match prediction: Athletic Bilbao vs Real Valladolid

Athletic Bilbao are having a very promising 2024-25 La Liga season. With 12 wins, 9 draws, and only 3 losses after 24 rounds, they have 45 points and are firmly in fourth place in the standings, 4 points ahead of fifth-placed Villarreal.

In reality, Ernesto Valverde's team is only 6 points behind league leaders Barcelona. Therefore, theoretically, they still have a chance to compete for the championship. However, a more realistic goal for Athletic Bilbao is probably to secure a place in the top 4.

Athletic haven't finished fourth in La Liga since 2013-14, so this season is incredibly significant. The Basque team are currently on a 15-match unbeaten run in La Liga. Their last defeat was against Girona in early October.

However, Athletic have drawn three of their last four matches, including a 1-1 draw with Espanyol in the previous round. Besides the race for a Champions League spot, Athletic also have to divide their resources between European competition and European competition, as they will face Roma in the Europa League Round of 16.

Athletic are showing formidable strength at home this season, having earned 25 points from 12 matches at San Mamés. In stark contrast, Real Valladolid have only managed a meager 3 points from 12 away games.

Real Valladolid's poor form shows no signs of stopping. In their most recent match, they suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat at home against Sevilla, extending their losing streak to five consecutive games in La Liga.

Real Valladolid's management has decided to sack coach Diego Cocca after just eight games in charge. Alvaro Rubio will temporarily replace him until the end of the season.

The goal of avoiding relegation is not yet impossible, but with only 15 points after 24 rounds (4 wins, 3 draws, and 17 losses), Real Valladolid is facing immense difficulties. They are currently 8 points behind Las Palmas, who are in 17th place. Furthermore, Real Valladolid has the worst attack in the league with only 15 goals scored, and also the worst defense, having conceded 52 goals.

Real Valladolid drew 1-1 with Athletic in the first leg of this season. However, on their last trip to San Mamés in La Liga (November 2022), they suffered a 0-3 defeat.

Latest Athletic Bilbao vs Real Valladolid score prediction

Based on the above football analysis, we and leading football websites worldwide have provided our predictions for the match.Athletic Bilbao vs Real Valladolidas follows:

• Sportsmole:Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Real Valladolid

• WhoScore:Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Real Valladolid
• Our newspaper predicts:Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Real Valladolid

When and where can I watch Athletic Bilbao vs Real Valladolid live?

To watch the Athletic Bilbao vs Real Valladolid match live in La Liga at 8:00 PM on February 23rd, viewers can tune in to the following channels:K+ Sport,K+PMor online sports channels. We hope you enjoy watching football.