Athletic Bilbao, who ended their four-match winless run with a 1-3 win away to Valladolid right before the international break, will be looking to extend their upturn in form when they host in-form Getafe on Saturday at the San Mames Barria from 14:15 GMT.
The 7th-placed Athletic Bilbao will be looking for a win to bolster their fight for European places and solidify their status in the top half of the table in the run-in.
The 13th-placed Getafe, who are just three points above the relegation zone heading into the run-in, will be hoping they get the three points they need to bolster their survival bid.
Key Highlights
Athletic Bilbao’s Fight for European Places?
Positioned 7th on the La Liga table with 36 points, 12 points behind 4th position, Athletic’s chances of fighting for a top-four spot are increasingly remote this season.
However, with the Europa League and Europa Conference League positions still up for grabs, Ernesto Valverde and his charges still have a lot to fight for this season in La Liga’s run-in.
Starting with the home clash against Getafe on Saturday, Valverde will be seeking to return his side to good form to get as many points as possible to bolster their chances of participating in European competitions next season.
The upturn will have to be sharp for Athletic. They have won just once in their last five assignments in La Liga. Meanwhile, they have lost three matches and drawn once in the process.
A win over Getafe will make it two consecutive wins in the league, which will be a massive boost for Valverde and his men.
Getafe’s Relegation Threat
Although they are three points clear of the relegation zone, Quique Sánchez Flores and his men are nowhere near secure of their La Liga place next season.
One loss could pull them right down to the drop zone and mire them in a survival scrap with other teams. This places massive importance on the clash with Athletic on Saturday as Flores seeks to lead his men to victory and bolster their survival prospects.
Quique Sánchez Flores has been instrumental in turning the Getafe form around in recent matches as they have stepped up their performances and bid to retain their La Liga status.
In the last five outings, Getafe have won three times, drawn once, and lost only once. Their defeat came in the away clash against Villareal, which ended in a 2-1 scoreline in favor of the hosts. The wins came against Valencia (1-0), Girona (3-2), and Sevilla (2-0), with the draw coming against Cadiz (2-2).
Injury Report
Athletic Bilbao
Ernesto Valverde will be hampered by injury absences ahead of the home clash against Getafe on Saturday. Ander Herrera is sidelined with a hamstring injury. The 33-year-old has been out for 7 matches since February 10, 2023.
Athletic will also be without goalkeeper Unai Simon (Achilles tendon problems), left winger Jon Morcillo (collarbone fracture), and right-back Inigo Lekue (hamstring).
Getafe
Flores will be without central midfielder Mauro Arambarri for the trip to San Mames to face Athletic. The 27-year-old has been facing muscular problems and has been sidelined for 3 matches so far.
Possible Lineups
Athletic Bilbao
J. Agirrezabala; Y. Berchiche, I. Martinez, U. Alvarez, O. de Marcos; M. Vesga, D. Garcia; N. Williams, O. Sancet, I. Williams; G. Guruzeta
Getafe
D. Soria; Djene, S. Mitrovic, G. Alvarez; D. Suarez, N. Maksimovic, L. Milla, Portu; B. Mayoral, E. Unal, Munir
Prediction
Athletic, playing at home, will be the odds-on favorites to win the game and extend their winning to two consecutive matches in La Liga, and in the process, send Getafe back to the drawing board regarding their survival bid.
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