The good news for Athletic Club is that Nico Williams will likely be available for the clash with Sevilla. Williams has just recovered from an injury. However, Ernesto Valverde’s side remains concerned about the injury list. Oihan Sancet, Unai Simón, and Yeray are all sidelined, which could pose challenges in maintaining the team’s recent form.
Athletic Club is temporarily third after securing a 3-1 victory against Celta Vigo. Still, they could easily drop to fourth or fifth if Atlético Madrid or Villarreal secure victories in their respective matches.
Ernesto Valverde’s team currently seems unstoppable, as the team has won three games back-to-back. Only two teams have managed to defeat the Basques: Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona. Moving forward, managing player fitness and avoiding further injuries will be crucial, especially with Nico Williams just returning from a layoff.
The biggest news regarding Sevilla concerns none of their players. García Pimienta’s contract has been renewed until 2027. This comes as a general surprise, as tensions have never been higher in Sevilla.
Sevilla’s season has been inconsistent, with victories against Getafe and Real Valladolid interspersed with draws and losses, including defeats to Villarreal, Girona, and Deportivo Alavés.
The club currently sits at 13th in La Liga, and to make matters worse, Saúl joined the list of injured players. García Pimienta said he was pessimistic about Saúl’s first muscular injury.
The player was seen crying when exiting the pitch, and the first reports predict a two-month absence. This injury significantly disrupts Pimienta’s midfield strategies.
The injury concerns extend beyond Saúl, with Djibril Sow, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Isaac Romero also sidelined.
Romero’s injury is particularly impactful given his emerging status in La Liga, which had been boosting Sevilla’s attacking options. Therefore, Sevilla’s game against Athletic Club at San Mames is challenging, to say the least.
Bet hereWhen it comes to form in the last three matches, Athletic Club should undoubtedly be favoured ahead of the match. Athletic Club has racked up three victories in the last three matches, while Sevilla have delivered inconsistent performances.
The game takes place at the mythical San Mames, famous in Spain for its electric ambience and one of the country’s most passionate fanbases. This gives Athletic Club an added home advantage.
Under Ernesto Valverde’s guidance, the Basques have become one of the most intense teams in the country. Their pressing numbers are among the highest in La Liga, and it seems that doesn’t depend on which players are on the pitch.
Despite concerns that Unai Simón’s injury might weaken their defensive solidity, the team has effectively managed this setback, with capable replacements from their academy stepping up.
However, Athletic Club’s intensity isn’t as high as it has been due to Nico Williams’ injury and Oihan Sancet’s absence. The two stars are essential to the team’s transitions, and they are the key to Ernesto Valverde’s plans.
As Nico Williams has just recovered, and Sancet is expected to be out for the match, San Mames might see a less confident Athletic Club against Sevilla.
Athletic Club’s defensive record this season hasn’t been flawless, with few clean sheets to their name. However, facing a Sevilla side currently struggling with key injuries and a noticeable drop in intensity could provide the Basques an opportunity to tighten up defensively.
Sevilla’s attacking woes, exacerbated by the loss of key striker Isaac Romero and midfielder Saúl, mean they may find it challenging to penetrate Athletic Club’s defense.
One of Sevilla’s most striking problems is their lack of intensity. The defeat against Deportivo Alavés (1-0) illustrated that point well. It’s therefore difficult to see Sevilla survive without conceding in San Mames, especially as the crowd will welcome Nico Williams again.
Moreover, Sevilla’s vulnerabilities on the flanks, particularly with Jesus Navas no longer possessing the pace that once made him formidable, could be a critical area of exploitation for Athletic Club. Known for their speed on the wings, Athletic could leverage this to create significant pressure and scoring opportunities against Sevilla.
Considering the dynamics at play, a bet on Athletic Club to win could be wise, possibly coupled with a bet on them to keep a clean sheet.
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