There’s a new coach at San Mamés as Athletic Club kick off their La Liga campaign in a home game against Sevilla. Edin Terzić will be hoping his side can start with three points.
World Cup stars short on fitness as Athletic begin a fresh era
Having previously coached Borussia Dortmund, Terzić takes over an Athletic Club squad who contributed significantly to Spain’s World Cup success. Goalkeeper Unai Simón is ready to start on Saturday, but his international teammates Nico Williams and Aymeric Laporte may only make the bench.
With Dani Vivian a serious fitness concern, Aitor Paredes and Yeray Álvarez are set to be the centre-backs. Youngster Unai Egiluz is the only other player expected to miss out due to injury.
Gorka Guruzeta will once again be the main striker for Los Leones. The 29-year-old registered 10 goals in 35 league appearances last term. Oihan Sancet will offer support from an advanced midfield role.
Athletic Club predicted lineup vs Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Simón; Areso, Yeray, Paredes, Yuri; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta.
Ure set for full Sevilla debut
After coming off the bench to win a late penalty in a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano last weekend, recent signing Robbie Ure is ready to come into the Sevilla side. He has been prolific in Sweden, scoring 15 goals in 15 appearances in the 2026 Allsvenskan.
The visitors will be forced into a change in defence, given Kike Salas is suspended after receiving a red card on matchday one. Andrés Castrín will take his place at the heart of the backline.
There are few selection issues for Luis García Plaza. Alfonso González is the only fitness doubt. Rubén Vargas is pushing for a recall on the left flank, following his late return from the World Cup with Switzerland.
Sevilla predicted lineup vs Athletic Club (4-2-3-1): Vlachodimos; Iglesias, Sangante, Castrín, Suazo; Agoumé, Guillén; Sierra, Guridi, Vargas; Ure.
Athletic Club vs Sevilla Prediction
- Safe Tip: Under 3 goals
- Odds: 1.31 (22Bet)
- Correct score prediction: Athletic Club 1-0 Sevilla
- 22Bet Booking Code: FACU7
Key stats:
- Including friendlies, none of the past 10 Sevilla matches produced more than three goals.
- Three of the Andalusian team’s last six games in La Liga finished with 1-0 scorelines.
- Athletic Club only netted three times in their final four fixtures last season.
With Nico Williams lacking sharpness, Athletic may struggle to offer a consistent creative threat in this game. They only averaged 1.13 goals per 90 minutes in La Liga 2025/26 and will need to be patient against a sure-to-be defensively-minded Sevilla side.
Backing under 3 goals makes sense. Sevilla have failed to score in three of their last five La Liga away fixtures. Vargas is regularly their main attacking threat, but he’s currently short on match fitness.
Athletic Club vs Sevilla Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Athletic Club to win
- Odds: 1.704 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: X2EU7
With a new coach at the helm, the home players will be highly motivated to make a positive first impression on Terzić. Backing Athletic to win offers value at odds of 1.704.
Even in a disappointing overall campaign, the Basques still won 47% of their home league fixtures last season. They’ve taken seven points from their previous three meetings with Sevilla at San Mamés.
Verdict: Under 3 goals (1.31) — Athletic Club 1-0 Sevilla
