Granada vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions and Betting Tips
Spanish football fans will be full of excitement this Friday given the commencement of the 2020/21 La Liga season. The Estadio Nuevos Los Carmenes is the setting for this opening game in the Spanish top-flight as Granada play hosts to Athletic Bilbao.
Granada were amazing in their first season back with the big boys. El Grana managed to finish 7th at the end of 38 round of fixtures hereby securing a place in the UEFA Europa League playoffs. They clash with Teuta Durres in the bid to book a place in the group stages of a European competition for the first time in their history.
With the impressive 7th place finish last term, Head Coach Diego Marinez earned himself some decent signings. However, the team hasn't really impressed in the club friendlies they've featured in. Although they're warm-up games, two losses and a draw in three games is something to be pondered upon.
Athletic Bilbao, on the flip-side, have struggled for consistency in recent seasons. The fall from grace, however, was evident last season with the side finishing in the bottom half of the league standings. Gaizka Garitano seems to have faith in his players given that the club hasn't made any major signings.
They would be bidding to kick-off the new season just as they did last season and the season before that as both matches ended in victories for the Basque club. Will they be able to make that three on the bounce?
In both games played last season, both sides picked up a win each on their respective home turfs. Does this mean the home side is heading into this game with an advantage?
Granada possible starting XI:
Silva; Vallejo, Sanchez, Foulquier; Milla, Azeez; Antonin, Puertas, Vico; Soldado
Athletic Bilbao possible starting XI:
Ezkeita; Balenziaga, Inigo, Yeray, De Marcos; D.Garcia, Lopez; Munian, R.Garcia, Morcillo; Williams
Granada vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction: 2-1
We expect to see a close encounter come Friday night. However, looking at their business in the transfer market coupled with their home form, we expect the home side to secure all three points for themselves. This bet is advised to be covered with a draw to reduce risk.
