Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao
Spanish LaLiga
Wednesday, 1 July 2020.
Kick off 18:30 UK/ 19:30 CET
Estadio de Mestalla.
Valencia has a restart of play this season is not really smooth when only 1 win, 1 draw and 2 defeats in recent 4 rounds. Valencia is now in eighth place in the standings with 46 points after 31 rounds, which means they will not get a ticket for the European Cup at the end of the season. Thus, Albert Celades coach and his team are desperate need of a new change.
Improvements are coming to Athletic Bilbao, as they often bring positive results lately. Specifically, after the last four rounds, the coach Gaizka Garitano and his students have won 2, drew 1 and lost 1, the only defeat was when they had to walk to the Barcelona court, but also the defending champion. The enemy has to fight to win.
In the match Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao, while Valencia play at home, their performance is currently below to visitors that will make this very balanced confrontation. Both teams also have the same common goal of being in the top 7 of the strongest teams.
Team News
Valencia
Eliaquim Mangala is available again after suspension but should Guillamon Hugo Gabriel Paulista partner at fullback.
Jose Gaya was ruled out until mid-July with a problem hamstring, with Jaume Costa in replacing the rear left.
Francis Coquelin should anchor the midfield next to the house, which are supposed to pack their midfield.
Valencia sacked Albert Celades Monday night, with to see how they will align under Voro Gonzalez.
Athletic Bilbao
Gaizka Garitano has no selection problems this week, with a full complement at his disposal.
Oihan Sancet was impressive in midfield and could continue in the number 10 role, forcing Iker Muniain to play more.
Yuri should be fit enough to feature from the start at left back, while Iñaki Williams should keep his place ahead before Asier Villalibre.
KEY STATS
Valencia are unbeaten in their last 17 home league games
Valencia are unbeaten in their last 6 games against La Liga Athletic Bilbao
Valencia have kept a clean sheet in their last three La Liga matches against Athletic Bilbao
Valencia failed to score in their last 17 league games at home
There was less than 2.5 goals scored 5 Valencia last 6 league games
Athletic Bilbao lost only 1 of their last 7 league games
Athletic Bilbao have won just 2 of their last 18 league games outside
Athletic Bilbao did not score in 1 of their last 8 league games
Athletic Bilbao scored the first goal in 7 of their last 8 league games
Athletic Bilbao scored in the first half 5 of their last 6 league games
Prediction
Valencia have failed to score in three of their last four matches Laliga with them a continuous distance to be a big problem.
The hosts remain unbeaten at Mestalla this campaign, but rumors of discontent within the Valencia team led to the sacked Albert Celades early this week. The pressure is on for Gonzalez Voro have an immediate impact against their Basque counterparts.
Athletic Club have only lost once since Laliga resumed, with the only loss coming at the hands of Barcelona at Camp Nou.
Prediction: Valencia January 1 Athletic Bilbao
