Comments and predictions for Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao: Mestalla in turmoil

Latest Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao team information

Valencia will continue to be without Thierry Correia due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Midfielder Andre Almeida will also miss the second consecutive match with a concussion.

Dimitri Foulquier could return after missing the Alaves game through illness. Javi Guerra will be available after a one-match suspension.

For Athletic, Inaki Williams and Nico Williams remain doubtful due to hamstring and groin injuries, respectively. However, Alvaro Djalo could return to the squad after missing the win over Getafe due to health reasons.

Coach Valverde is likely to rotate the squad, with Oscar de Marcos, Adama Boiro, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Oihan Sancet being names that could be included in the starting lineup.

Latest expected lineup Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao

Valencia:
Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Mosquera, Tarrega, Gaya; Pepelu, Barrenechea; Rioja, Guerra, Lopez; Duro

Athletic Bilbao:
Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Boiro; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; Berenguer, Sancet, Gomez; Guruzeta

Latest football commentary on Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao

Carlos Corberan has done well since taking over at Valencia earlier this year, helping the team climb from the relegation zone into the race for European football with an impressive record of 9 wins, 6 draws and 4 losses in 19 La Liga games.

Valencia’s Conference League ambitions were dealt a blow, however, when they lost 1-0 to Alaves on Wednesday in a controversial game. The game looked set to end in a goalless draw, but the referee awarded Alaves a penalty in the final minute after judging goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili had fouled Santiago Mourino. Despite VAR intervention, the referee stood by his decision, with Joan Jordan converting the spot kick.

This was Valencia's first away defeat since January, leaving them in 11th place, three points off the top eight, with just two games remaining against Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis.

Despite losing their right to decide, Los Che can still keep their hopes alive if they win both of their remaining games, starting with their visit to Athletic on Sunday. They have reason to be confident, having won four of their last five home games.

However, head-to-head history does not favor Valencia, as they have only won 1 of their last 5 times hosting Athletic at Mestalla (D2, L2) – although that only win was in their last home match in January 2024.

On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao responded brilliantly after their heavy defeat to Man United in the Europa League semi-finals, beating Alaves 1-0 last weekend and then beating Getafe 2-0 midweek to officially book their place in next season's Champions League.

Gorka Guruzeta and Dani Vivian scored in the final 15 minutes against Getafe, helping Los Leones reach the Champions League for the first time since the 2014-15 season.

Although they have secured a place in the top 5, Athletic still have the ability to take 3rd place from Atletico Madrid (currently 3 points behind), but are also at risk of being overtaken by Villarreal (3 points behind).

Ernesto Valverde’s side are in good form with a 4-match unbeaten run in La Liga (W3 D1), keeping a clean sheet in all 4 matches. If they keep another clean sheet, they will have a 5-match clean sheet streak in the national championship for the first time since December 1983.

Athletic are also aiming to complete a double against Valencia, following a 1-0 win in the first leg in August, thanks to Benat Prados's only goal – his only La Liga goal this season.

Latest score prediction for Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao

Based on the above football comments, we and the world's leading football sites have given the results of the match.Valencia vs Athletic Bilbaoas follows:

• Sportsmole:Valencia 2-0 Athletic Bilbao

• WhoScore:Valencia 2-1 Athletic Bilbao
• Our newspaper predicts:Valencia 2-1 Athletic Bilbao

When and where to watch Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao live?

To watch the Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao match live in La Liga at 0:00 on May 19, viewers can watch it on TVK+ Sport,K+PMor online sports channels. Wish you have fun watching football.