Goal.mu

Athletic Bilbao and Almeria are set to lock horns in a La Liga encounter at San Mames on October 6, 2023, at 8 pm UK. This match holds significance as Bilbao aims to bounce back from their Basque derby defeat and continue their fairly solid start to the 2023-24 campaign, while bottom-placed Almeria seeks to gather crucial points to escape the relegation zone.

Analysis: The aftermath of the Basque derby has left Bilbao reflecting on their defensive lapses that led to a 3-0 defeat against Real Sociedad. Ernesto Valverde’s men have displayed a commendable performance so far, standing sixth with 14 points from eight games. A notable aspect of their game has been their home performance, garnering seven points from the last nine available at San Mames. The return of Oihan Sancet from suspension boosts their attacking options, which could be pivotal against Almeria.

On the flip side, Almeria’s start to the season has been nothing short of dismal, languishing at the bottom with a mere three points. The sacking of Vicente Moreno and the interim appointment of Almeria B’s boss, Alberto Lasarte, reflects the turmoil within the club. Despite a thrilling but eventually disappointing 3-3 draw against Granada under Lasarte, Almeria’s defensive frailties were exposed as they squandered a 3-0 lead. Their attacking prowess, however, shone through with Luis Suarez bagging a hat-trick, indicating a glimmer of hope in their attacking department.

Team News: Bilbao’s injury list comprises Unai Gomez, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, and Peru Nolaskoain, which could lead to adjustments in their starting lineup. The return of Sancet is a positive, likely replacing Iker Muniain, with Mikel Vesga also expected to feature in midfield. Nico Williams is set to start again after a 63-minute appearance post-injury against Real Sociedad.

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Almeria’s injury woes continue with Lucas Robertone, Marc Pubill, Martin Svidersky, and Edgar Gonzalez sidelined. This scenario may see Iddrisu Baba filling in the central midfield void left by Gonzalez. Suarez, following his stellar performance against Granada, will be a key figure in their attack.

Athletic Bilbao Possible Starting Lineup: Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Yuri; Vesga, D Garcia; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta

Almeria Possible Starting Lineup: Maximiano; Puigmal, Kaiky, Chumi, Akieme; Melero, Baba, Lopy; Arribas, Suarez, Ramazani

Prediction: Goal.mu predicts: Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Almeria.

Bilbao’s superior form, coupled with their home advantage and Almeria’s defensive inconsistencies, tilts the prediction in favor of the hosts. Bilbao would aim to enter the international break on a high, while Almeria, despite their attacking spark, might find it challenging to break down Bilbao’s defense at San Mames.

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