Athletic BilbaovsDeportivo Alaves

Athletic Bilbao's Home Fortress

When evaluating the upcoming clash between Athletic Bilbao and Deportivo Alaves, one cannot overlook the historical dominance of Athletic Bilbao at home. Athletic Bilbao has won 11 out of the last 15 home encounters against Deportivo Alaves, with the most common scoreline being 2-0. This statistic alone sets a formidable precedent for the upcoming match.

Recent Form and Team News

Athletic Bilbao recently faced a setback in the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona, losing 2-0. However, their performance in La Liga remains solid, with a home record of 10-6-1 this season. Oihan Sancet, their top scorer with 15 goals, continues to be a key player, supported by Inaki Williams, who has provided 9 assists. On the other hand, Deportivo Alaves is struggling, sitting in 18th place in the league. They recently lost 3-1 to Real Betis and are dealing with the absence of their first-choice goalkeeper, Antonio Sivera, due to injury.

Defensive and Offensive Dynamics

Deportivo Alaves has not won any of their last five away matches against Athletic Bilbao, and their last away victory against them dates back to 2005. With a goal difference of 25-6 in favor of Athletic Bilbao in their last 15 home meetings, the defensive solidity of Bilbao is evident. Alaves' recent form is inconsistent, and the integration of new defender Garces will be crucial, especially with the absence of Sivera.

Prediction and Betting Insight

Given the historical context, current form, and team news, Athletic Bilbao is poised to secure a home victory. The likelihood of both teams scoring is low, considering Athletic Bilbao's strong defensive record against Alaves and the latter's scoring struggles. Therefore, a 2-0 victory for Athletic Bilbao seems probable, aligning with historical trends. For bettors, this match presents a strong case for a home win without both teams scoring.