Athletic Bilbao v Villarreal

Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal Preview

Athletic Bilbao were unable to make it three wins on the trot in the Spanish top flight last weekend when they came up against the Liga Liga leaders Real Madrid as Athletic Bilbao were dealt a 2-0 defeat in Madrid but the upcoming hosts on Sunday evening now return to the more familiar surroundings of their San Mamés Barria for this upcoming clash with mid-table outfit Villarreal, looking to return to winning ways.

Athletic Bilbao had previously posted back-to-back wins in the domestic top flight by way of victories over Las Palmas and Alaves respectively and as the hosts are just two points behind fourth placed Atletico Madrid prior to this weekend's action, Ernesto Valverde's side will be desperate to grab all three points here in order to break into the top four of the division.

The bigger picture shows Athletic Bilbao have suffered just three defeats out of their last 20 games overall in the Spanish top flight with losses incurred against Valencia, Real Betis and Real Madrid but each of these three defeats were all inflicted upon Bilbao on their travels.

On the flip-side, Athletic Bilbao have also captured 11 wins within this 20-game period and results on home soil have been even more impressive as the hosts are unbeaten in their last 14 home games, picking up 11 wins in the process.

Villarreal suffered a 2-1 loss at home to the other Madrid club, Atletico Madrid, which also ended a previously impressive and welcome four-match winning streak which consisted of wins collected against the likes of Real Sociedad, Granada, Real Betis and Valencia respectively.

The wider picture shows Villarreal had previously put together a nine-match unbeaten sequence in La Liga which also included an earlier impressive 5-3 win away from home at Barcelona along with picking up points in four draws as well, so the visitors will likely fancy their chances of picking up a positive result here on Sunday as well.

Villarreal have also won three out of their last four matches on the road but the bigger picture shows Marcelino's side have managed to capture just four wins from their previous 13 outings on the road, so the prospects of an away win here may seem a little uncertain at best.

In addition, Villarreal have managed to keep just one clean sheet from these last 13 away games in La Liga which could mean trouble for the visitors at the San Mamés Barria against a consistent and solid Athletic Bilbao outfit.

Athletic Bilbao v Villarreal Verdict

Athletic Bilbao have won three of the last five encounters against Villarreal and the hosts look to be in the driving seat ahead of this clash as well.

Therefore, our main bet will be Athletic Bilbao win @ 1.75

Other side bets worth considering:

Athletic Bilbao win & Under 2.5 goals @ 4.75

Correct Score: Athletic Bilbao 2-0 @ 9.00