Boye, Lucas
Guruzeta, Gorka
La Liga's penultimate round pits Europa Conference League-chasing Athletic Bilbao against an already relegated Elche at San Mamés on Sunday.
Athletic Bilbao dropped some crucial points against Osasuna, who are now ahead in contention for the final European spot on the table by a head-to-head win. Elsewhere, Elche prevented Sevilla's double over them in a fruitless stalemate.
The Basques succumbed under pressure, losing their three-point advantage alongside their place by coming up short against their nearest competitor from this season. Equal on points, Osasuna has usurped Bilbao for the 7th spot in the league table.
With two games left to conclude the season, the Lions must refrain from dropping more points. It will be much more difficult now as their last game of the season is against Real Madrid. In their last five La Liga games, Ernesto Valverde's men have been unimpressive, losing on three occasions with a win and a draw.
Bilbao must turn a corner and rapidly return to their winning ways. Elche did not pose any threat when these two sides met last year in September. With a 4-1 win, the hosts must feel confident of their chances to put the pressure back on Osasuna- if they falter.
The Ones from Elche remain 14 points adrift at the foot of the league standings, with relegation already been confirmed for some time. Sebastián Beccacece's side has surprisingly been good, leaving the supporters perplexed by this sudden nature.
In their last five games, they have managed to win and draw twice, losing only once. Winning against Atletico Madrid and stopping Sevilla has made them an unpredictable side to deal with.
Even with their recent impressive upturn, Elche will be concerned with their abysmal away record. The Green-striped ones have won only once on the road this season, having lost 13 times with four draws.
The hosts will lack many players for this game as Ander Herrera, Inigo Martinez, and Jon Morcillo are still on the sidelines with muscular and collarbone issues. Defender Yeray Alvarez remains doubtful over fitness concerns, while midfielder Dani Garcia has a knee injury.
The visitors will be without Omar Mascarell and Jose Angel Carmona as they heal from their muscle ailments. Long-term absentee Jony Alamo continues to treat a knee injury.
Football fans around the U.K. can catch every action live on Viaplay Sports Online.
Expert Insight: Athletic Bilbao's impressive home record spell disaster for Elche's lackluster away efforts. The visitors have certainly been at their best during the last few weeks, but it would be practically challenging for them to fend off Bilbao's hunger for playing in Europe. The hosts will be on the attack, trying their best to make it a goal-fest.
LaLiga