Athletic Club welcome Deportivo Alaves to the San Mames in the LaLiga Santander this Friday with both sides keen on adding three points to their current points tally. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.

Although both sides played a 0-0 stalemate in their most recent game, Alaves head into this match unbeaten in three matches having won the two games prior to the game in April. Would we see them continue this unbeaten run ?

Alaves keen on building in shock victory

It was a decent start to the season for the Basque club having managed eight points from their first four games. With just one win and two draws in their last three games, however, they’ve seen a dip in form. Last time out, they would’ve been kicking themselves in the dressing room after failing to defend a 1-0 lead against 10-man Valencia. A late equalizer from Marcos Andre cancelled Inigo Martinez’s opener and that point earned means they head into Matchday 8 in 10th position. With just four goals conceded, the hosts look formidable in defence and we expect Friday’s opponents to find it hard to break them down.

Alaves have found themselves in a relegation battle in the last two seasons and we don’t expect any different this season given their start to the 2021/2022 campaign. Javi Calleja led his side to a loss in all of their first five games, however, things seem to be changing for Alaves who picked up their first three points of the season. Victor Laguardia’s 4th-minute opener was all that separated them from Atletico Madrid as the hosts condemned their opponents to their first loss of the season. Would we see them use this momentum to secure subsequent victories ?

Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves Team News

Athletic Bilbao possible starting XI:

Simon; Lekue, Vivian, Martinez, Balenziaga; Berenguer, Vencedor, D Garcia, Muniain; Williams, R Garcia

Alaves possible starting XI:
Pacheco; Navarro, Miazga, Laguardia; Aguirregabiria, Loum, Moya, Duarte; De La Fuente, Sylla, Rioja

Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves Prediction: 1-1

Alaves would be buoyed by their win against the defending champions, however, the hosts have been tough to beat this season and as such, we don’t see visitors leaving San Mames with all three points.