The wind of optimism is now seemingly on Los Choconeros’s side. Their success in thumping the reigning Champions League winner this midweek in Anfield certainly boosts them to continue this positive campaign in La Liga. This weekend, they will be taking on Athletic Bilbao in San Mames under the threat of playing behind closed doors due to the outbreak.
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Both teams previous matches
Inaki Williams and Co carried on winning while visiting Valladolid last weekend. They trashed the host 4-1 by Unai Lopez’s, Raul Garcia’s, Inaki Williams’ and Inigo Cordoba’s goals, mainly taking the advantage of the host’s number of crucial errors in their defence line. Real Valladolid could only respond to one goal from the former Barcelona reserved striker, Sandro Martinez.
Los Rojiblancos had a more impressive result. They stunned The Reds in UCL midweek fixture this Wednesday when they could do a 3-2 comeback after being two goals behind at the early extra time. Liverpool took the lead first by Giorgino Wijnaldum’s header at the first half and Roberto Firmino’s tap into the back of the net at the first half of extra time after taking advantage of the deflection in the penalty box.
Fortunately, the host’s reserved goalie, Adrian Murcia made a blunder as his passing was taken control by Diego Simeone’s men which led to Marcos Llorente’s goal and reduce their goal difference. Their two winning goals finally came as Klopp’s men were frustrated by their ‘parking the bus’ tactics. They swiftly initiated a counter-attack and Marcos Llorente scored his second followed by Alvaro Morata’s killer strike almost at the end of the extra time.
Possible tactics
Bilbao under Garizka Garitano tends to employ two kinds of formations, 4-2-3-1 for the offensive approach and 5-3-2 for the defensive one, especially prepared for the matches against big teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Valencia. The second one seems to be working slightly better as they were able to snatch points against Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Diego Simeone actually has attempted various formations to maximise the current squad potentials from 3-4-2-1 or 4-3-1-2. Yet, eventually, he returns to opt for his favourite 4-4-2 with a pragmatic approach. Unfortunately, their current frontmen have been unconvincing apart from Alvaro Morata. The supposedly wonder boy Joao Felix only manages to score two goals so far plus one assist. Diego Costa and Angel Correa are not so much different. This will be Simeone’s main concern this season.
Players to watch
The current Bilbao’s top performers are Raul Garcia with nine goals and one assist and two local duos from their own academy, Iker Muniain with four goals and two assists plus the striker Inaki Williams who has bagged six goals so far.
Meanwhile, Atletico supposedly have a better squad than their contender. Their most notable figures are Alvaro Morata, the current top scorer of the club with his eight goals and one assist, and Saul Niguez. Another notable one is the top assist provider, the Argentine Angel Correa with five goals and six assists.
Athletic vs Atletico prediction
Both teams are in their positive form lately regarding their current results. However, playing at San Mames could be Gaizka Garitano’s men’s advantage. If they could lure the visitor’s side to control the ball more and play more offensive football, there would be space at the defence line to be exposed. Yet, a draw seems quite fair for both.
Betting odds
The match may be considered to be even but the punters backed the visitors to win at 2.45. The host is only projected to win at 3.35, whereas the odds for draw result are at 2.85.
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