Villarreal vs Athletic Club Bilbao – La Liga – Preview

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Sreya

Villarreal vs Athletic Club Bilbao – Villarreal hosts Athletic Club Bilbao at Estadio de la Ceramica on 7th April, Friday in a crucial La Liga fixture.

Villarreal are fifth in the La Liga standings with fifty one points while the visitors are sixth with fifty points next to their name. Both these clubs are competing for European qualification for next season. While the third-placed Atletico Madrid and the fourth-placed Sevilla have opened up a significant points gap with just eight matches to go, both these clubs are in contention to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

Villarreal won 1-0 against Real Betis in their last game after two consecutive losses against Las Palmas and Eibar. Athletic Club Bilbao defeated Espanyol 2-0. Both clubs are in a similar vein of form with four wins and two losses in their last six league matches.

Team News

Sergio Asenjo and Denis Cheryshev are injured for the hosts but Athletic Club Bilbao do not have any injury or suspension concerns.

Villarreal Possible Starting Lineup: Andres Fernandez, Mario, Victor Ruiz, Mateo Musacchio, Jaume Costa, Samu Castillejo, Manu Trigueros, Bruno Soriano, Roberto Soriano, Roberto Soldado, Cedric Bakambu.

Athletic Club Bilbao Possible Starting Lineup: Kepa, De Marcos, Aymeric Laporte, Yeray Alvarez, Balenziaga, Benat Etxebarria, Mikel San Jose, Inaki Williams, Raul Garcia, Inigo Lekue, Aduriz.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Villarreal vs Athletic Club Bilbao H2H Stats, the last five matches between these two clubs have resulted in three wins for Athletic Club Bilbao, one win for Villarreal and one draw.

Although Villarreal have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 home matches in the La Liga, Athletic Club Bilbao have kept a clean sheet in their last 3 matches against Villarreal in all competitions.

It should be a closely contested affair and both clubs need a win with Real Sociedad and Eibar close on their heels. A 2-1 win for Villarreal is the most likely result.