Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia Predictions and betting Tips
Athletic Bilbao would be looking to continue their glittering Copa Del Rey run as they welcome Valencia to the San Mames in the first leg of the semifinals this Thursday. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.
All of the last three meetings between both sides have ended in stalemates including the reverse match back in September where a 10-man Valencia netted a late equalizer to force a share of the spoils.
Bilbao eyeing first leg advantage
Following their disappointment in the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 Copa Del Rey campaigns- where they lost in both finals- Athletic Club are like a side possessed in this season's Spanish cup as they head into this game having eliminated both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Alex Berenguer was the hero of the day against Los Blancos in the quarterfinals, sending a sublime curling shot past Thibaut Courtois with just one minute left to play. It is also to be noted that Marcelino's troops head into this game off the back of a hard-fought 2-1 victory at home against Espanyol, meaning that they've emerged victorious in all of their last four games in all competitions.
Although inconsistency has plagued Jose Bordalas' troops in the league, they've been near perfect in the Spanish Cup this term most recently beating Cadiz in the quarterfinals. Goncalo Guedes and Hugo Duro were on the scoresheet for them as they celebrated a 2-1 win at home against Cadiz in their quarterfinals tie to book a date with last season's runners-up. Valencia was forced to settle for a share of the spoils against Real Sociedad last weekend, stretching their winless streak in the league to five games. Still and all, they would surely be keen on yet another Copa Del Rey trophy just like they did in the 2018/2019 season when they beat Barcelona in the final. Standing in their way, however, is the challenge of cup specialists Athletic Bilbao.
Bilbao vs Valencia Team News
Bilbao possible starting XI:
Simon; De Marcos, Alvarez, Martinez, Berchiche; Berenguer, Vesga, D. Garcia, Muniain; Sancet, Williams
Valencia possible starting XI:
Mamardashvili; Correia, Diakhaby, Comert, Gaya; Foulquier, Soler, Moriba, Gil; Guedes, Duro
Bilbao vs Valencia Prediction: 2-1
Confidence is expected to exuding through the Bilbao camp given their recent results- league and cup- and as such, we expect them to use this as a platform to secure a narrow first leg advantage this Thursday.
