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Athletic Bilbao vs Girona: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | Feb 8, 2025

Athletic Bilbao will aim to extend their unbeaten run in La Liga to 14 matches when they host Girona at San Mamés on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 3:15pm UK time. The Basque side are fourth in the table, four points clear of fifth-placed Villarreal, while Girona are seventh, one point behind sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano in the race for European qualification.

Interesting Fact: Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten in their last 13 La Liga matches, their longest run without defeat in the competition since 1985.

Team Analysis

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao are enjoying a stellar season under Ernesto Valverde, sitting fourth in La Liga and competing in the knockout stages of the Europa League. The Lions have been particularly strong at home, losing just once in 11 league matches at San Mamés this season.

Current Form:

  • Last 5 matches: 2 wins, 3 draws.
  • Last match: 1-1 draw with Real Betis in La Liga.

Key Players:

  • Oihan Sancet: The midfielder has been in fine form, scoring eight goals in La Liga this season.
  • Iñaki Williams: The forward’s pace and finishing ability are crucial to Athletic’s attack.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Nico Williams (doubtful, injury).
  • Nico Serrano (doubtful, injury).
  • Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta (doubtful, injury).

Home Form:
Athletic Bilbao have been dominant at San Mamés, with seven wins, four draws, and one loss in 12 home matches this season.

Girona

Girona ended a four-match losing streak with a 2-1 victory over Las Palmas last weekend, reigniting their hopes of securing a top-six finish. However, Michel’s side have struggled on the road, winning just three of their 11 away matches this season.

Current Form:

  • Last 5 matches: 1 win, 4 losses.
  • Last match: 2-1 win over Las Palmas in La Liga.

Key Players:

  • Cristhian Stuani: The veteran striker has a strong record against Athletic Bilbao, with six goals in previous meetings.
  • Donny van de Beek: The midfielder’s creativity and vision will be crucial for Girona.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Oriol Romeu (doubtful, injury).
  • Daley Blind (doubtful, injury).

Away Form:
Girona have been inconsistent on the road, with three wins, three draws, and five losses in 11 away matches this season.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters

The last meeting between these two sides was in October 2024, when Girona secured a 2-1 victory at home. However, Athletic Bilbao won the corresponding fixture last season 3-2 at San Mamés.

Key Stats:

  • Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten in their last 13 La Liga matches.
  • Girona have lost five of their last seven away matches across all competitions.

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Girona

Athletic Bilbao’s strong home form and unbeaten run make them favourites for this clash. However, Girona’s attacking quality and recent victory over Las Palmas suggest they could pose a threat. Expect a closely contested match, but Athletic’s consistency and home advantage should see them edge it.

Betting Tips

  • Both Teams to Score: Yes
    Both teams have shown attacking intent in recent matches.
  • Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
    The last two meetings at San Mamés produced exactly five goals.
  • Anytime Goalscorer: Oihan Sancet
    The in-form midfielder is likely to find the net.

Hot Stat

The last two meetings between these sides at San Mamés produced exactly five goals, with both teams scoring in each match.

Possible Lineups

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1):
Simón; Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Lekue; I. Williams, Jauregizar, Vesga, Berenguer; Sancet; Guruzeta.

Girona (4-2-3-1):
Gazzaniga; A. Martínez, Juanpe, Krejci, Gutiérrez; Herrera, Martín; Tsygankov, Van de Beek, Gil; Ruiz

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