Athletic BilbaovsDeportivo Alaves

Historical Dominance and Recent Form

Athletic Bilbao's historical dominance over Deportivo Alaves, especially at home, is a significant factor in predicting the outcome of their upcoming clash. With Athletic Bilbao having won 12 of the last 16 home encounters against Alaves, and the most common result being a 2-0 victory, the Basque side clearly holds the upper hand. This historical trend is further supported by their current form, as Bilbao is on a three-match winning streak in LaLiga, showcasing their resilience and competitive edge.

Team News and Tactical Adjustments

Recent developments in both camps add layers to the analysis. Athletic Bilbao's recent defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup might have been a setback, but it also highlights their ability to compete against top-tier teams. Meanwhile, Deportivo Alaves is grappling with the absence of their first-choice goalkeeper, Antonio Sivera, due to injury. His replacement, Jesus Owono, will face a stern test against Bilbao's attack. Additionally, the return of defender Garces could bolster Alaves' defense, but his adaptation to LaLiga's pace remains a question mark.

Statistical Insights and Player Performances

Statistically, Athletic Bilbao's performance in recent matches has been superior to that of Alaves. Bilbao averages 1.76 goals per game at home, while Alaves scores 1.14 goals away. Furthermore, Bilbao's ability to secure victories when leading at home is impressive, winning 94% of matches when they score first. In contrast, Alaves struggles when trailing, failing to win any away matches when down 1-0. Key players like Kike for Alaves, who has scored 11 goals this season, will need to be at their best to challenge Bilbao's defense.

Prediction and Conclusion

Considering the historical data, current form, and team news, Athletic Bilbao is poised to secure a victory against Deportivo Alaves. The likelihood of both teams scoring appears low, given Bilbao's defensive solidity and Alaves' recent struggles in front of goal. Therefore, the prediction leans towards a home win with both teams not scoring.