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Ludogorets will welcome Athletic Bilbao to Ludogorets Arena in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. The hosts are winless in the competition thus far, losing two of their three games. Bilbao have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their campaign, recording two wins.
The Eagles head into the match on a three-game winning streak, scoring 12 goals while keeping clean sheets in those matches. They played Hebar 1918 in the Bulgarian First League last week, recording a 3-0 home win.
The visitors are on a four-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, playing out two consecutive draws. They played Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday and were held to a 1-1 home draw. Alejandro Berenguer Remiro made an instant impact as a second-half substitute, scoring the equalizer in the 68th minute, just three minutes after coming off the bench.
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Ludogorets played Anderlecht in their previous Europa League outing last month and fell to a 2-0 loss. Bilbao hosted Slavia Prague in their previous outing and Nico Williams' first-half strike helped them record a 1-0 win.
Ludogorets vs Athletic Bilbao Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams will meet for the first time.
- The Eagles have played Spanish teams eight times in European competitions, suffering defeats in all of those matches.
- The visitors have played Bulgarian teams twice, recording a win while suffering a loss.
- Ludogorets are winless in their last five games in the Europa League, suffering four defeats. They have also failed to score in four games in that period.
- Bilbao have lost one of their last six away games in the Europa League, with three matches ending in draws.
- The Eagles have won their last four home games in all competitions, scoring 13 goals without a reply.
Ludogorets vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
The Eagles are on a three-game winning streak in all competitions and will look to continue their form here. They have lost all eight meetings against Spanish teams, conceding 21 times while scoring just three goals, which is a cause for concern.
Zuri-Gorriak have been in good touch recently, suffering just one loss in all competitions since August. They have conceded just one goal in three games in the Europa League and will look to build on that defensive form.
Ernesto Valverde will likely be without the services of Unai Simón, Mikel Jauregizar, Gorka Guruceta, and Oihan Sancet due to injuries. He is expected to rotate his starting XI in this match.
Considering the contrast in form between the two teams in the Europa League and Bilbao's better squad quality, the visitors are expected to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Ludogorets 1-2 Athletic Bilbao
Ludogorets vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Athletic Bilbao to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: First Team to Score - Athletic Bilbao
Bold Tip: Iñaki Williams to score or assist any time - Yes
