Athletic Bilbao vs Almeria
La Liga
Friday
6th October 2023
San Mames
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the gameweek nine La Liga fixture between Athletic Bilbao and Almeria.
Athletic Bilbao vs Almeria: Preview
Athletic Bilbao form analysis
Lehoiak settled with a 0-0 away draw against Mallorca in a tight game between two quality sides. They returned to action after the international break with an excellent 3-0 home win over Cadiz, inspired by a Williams brace. Athletic made it two wins from two by beating Alaves 2-0 away thanks to goals from Williams and Sancet.
They then drew an entertaining 2-2 game at home against Getafe, twice taking the lead through Yuri and Williams but pegged back by Getafe’s fightback. However, Athletic’s unbeaten start ended with a 0-3 defeat away at Real Sociedad last time out.
Overall, it’s been a fairly solid start to the season for Athletic under Ernesto Valverde. They’ve been tough to beat, conceding just 3 goals in their opening 5 matches. Williams has impressed upfront, netting 3 goals already.
However, a lack of creativity has been apparent at times, highlighted in the Sociedad loss. If Valverde can get his midfield playmakers firing, Athletic have the tools to push for European qualification again this term. But finding more consistent spark in attack is key after the Sociedad setback.
Almeria form analysis
Almeria had a thrilling 2-3 home loss to Celta Vigo, twice coming from behind through Akieme and Arribas strikes. However, defensive issues surfaced in a 1-2 loss away at Villarreal next time out despite Akieme putting Almeria ahead. They then drew an exciting 2-2 game at home against Valencia, with Arribas netting twice to earn a point. Almeria’s problems intensified in a heavy 1-5 home thrashing by Sevilla. But they did respond with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Granada in their last match, led by a Suarez hat-trick.
Overall, it’s been a mixed start on Almeria’s La Liga return under Rubi as they try to avoid relegation. They’ve showcased attacking threat, scoring 9 goals in their first 5 games including Suarez’s treble. However, conceding 12 goals already is a major concern. If Alberto Lasarte can tighten Almeria up defensively, their exciting young attack gives them a chance of surviving this season. But substantially improving their defensive record is crucial after conceding 3 goals in every home game so far.
