The 2023-24 edition of La Liga returns to the fold with another set of matches this week as Granada lock horns with Ernesto Valverde's Athletic Bilbao side in an important clash at the Estadio San Mames on Friday.
Athletic Bilbao vs Granada Preview
Granada are in 19th place in the La Liga standings and have struggled to impose themselves this season. The away side defeated Deportivo Alaves by a 2-0 scoreline last week and will be confident ahead of this fixture.
Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, are in fifth place in the league table and have stepped up to the plate over the past year. The Basque giants were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Villarreal in their previous game and will need to take it up a notch this week.
Athletic Bilbao vs Granada Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Athletic Bilbao and Granada are on an even footing as far as the recent head-to-head record is concerned and have won eight matches apiece out of the last 21 matches played between the two teams.
- Athletic Bilbao have won only one of their last six matches against Granada in La Liga, with their only such victory during this period coming by a 2-1 scoreline in March 2021.
- Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten in their last five matches at home against Granada in La Liga and have scored at least two goals in each of their last four such games.
- Since a run of two victories away from home against teams from the Basque country in La Liga in 2020, Granada have won only one of their last nine such matches in the competition.
Athletic Bilbao vs Granada Prediction
Athletic Bilbao have been in impressive form over the past year and have grown in stature under Ernesto Valverde. Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams have come into their own this season and will need to make their mark this week.
Granada have tormented Athletic Bilbao in recent years but have been defensively poor this season. Athletic Bilbao are the better team and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Granada
Athletic Bilbao vs Granada Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Athletic Bilbao to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3: Athletic Bilbao to score first - Yes
Tip 4: Nico Williams to score - Yes