The Mestalla is set for a high-stakes showdown this Sunday as Valencia host Athletic Bilbao in a clash significantly more important to the visitors than the hosts. Athletic Club, currently fourth in LaLiga, are battling to secure a coveted Champions League spot. Meanwhile, Valencia, sitting 11th, aim to capitalise on their impressive home form to derail Bilbao’s ambitions and end their own campaign on a high. With Valencia unbeaten in their last five home matches, this promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
For Athletic Bilbao, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win would solidify their top-four position and keep their Champions League aspirations alive. However, their recent away form—five matches without a victory—raises questions about their ability to perform under pressure. Valencia, while inconsistent with a record of L W W D D, have shown attacking resilience, scoring in 10 consecutive games. Their average of 1.25 goals per game at Mestalla could prove decisive against Bilbao’s 1.06 goals per game on the road.
Key players are likely to determine the outcome of this fixture. Valencia’s Hugo Duro, with 11 goals this season, will look to exploit the home advantage, while Bilbao’s Oihan Sancet, leading his side with 15 goals, remains a constant threat in front of goal. Historically, Valencia have dominated this fixture at Mestalla, winning 20 of their last 34 home meetings against Bilbao. However, Bilbao’s narrow 1-0 victory in their most recent encounter adds an extra layer of intrigue to this rivalry.
As the final whistle looms, the implications are clear. A win for Athletic Club would strengthen their Champions League hopes, while Valencia’s unbeaten home streak faces a stern test as they push for a strong season finish. With so much on the line for the away side, an electrifying evening awaits at Mestalla.
Valencia - Athletic Bilbao Key Facts
Valencia have an impressive home record against Athletic Club, winning 20 of their last 34 encounters at home, which highlights their dominance and makes them strong favourites for this match.
Valencia are currently unbeaten in their last 10 matches and have not lost any of their last 5 home games, indicating a solid run of form that could influence their performance positively.
Bilbao have struggled on the road, failing to win any of their last 5 away matches, which raises concerns about their ability to secure points in this fixture.
Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Predictions
Primary Bet:Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5
Valencia’s attacking consistency, combined with Athletic Bilbao’s ability to find the net, makes "over 2.5 goals" a compelling option. Historically, fixtures between these sides have averaged 2.6 goals per match, underlining the potential for a high-scoring encounter. Valencia have scored in 10 consecutive matches, averaging 1.25 goals per game at home, while Athletic Bilbao contribute an average of 1.06 goals per game on their travels. Despite occasional scoring fluctuations, the statistical probability of 66.88% strongly supports this selection.
Secondary Bet:Home Win @ 23/20
A "home win" for Valencia also offers value, bolstered by their impressive record of 20 victories in 34 home meetings against Athletic Bilbao. Valencia are unbeaten in their last 10 matches, reflecting their solid form, whereas Athletic Bilbao have struggled on the road, failing to win any of their last five away fixtures. With Valencia’s historical dominance at home and Bilbao’s recent away woes, the 23/20 odds for a home win present an attractive betting opportunity.
