Athletic Bilbao vs Las Palmas
La Liga
Wednesday
20th December 2023
San Mames
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the La Liga fixture between Athletic Bilbao and Las Palmas.
Athletic Bilbao vs Las Palmas: Preview
Athletic Bilbao form analysis
Bilbao have hit strong form recently as manager Ernesto Valverde continues reviving the Basque club. On November 11th they drew a wild 4-3 home win over Celta Vigo thanks to a 90th minute Alex Berenguer penalty, having exchanged five second half goals in a thriller. Athletic then battled to a resilient 1-1 away draw against Girona on November 28th with Inaki Williams netting. Building momentum, Bilbao delivered their best performance of the period on December 2nd. Demolishing Rayo Vallecano 4-0 at home in a dominant showing led by Gorka Guruzeta’s brace.
Momentum continued into a trip away to struggling Granada four days later, securing a hard fought 1-1 draw courtesy of Williams again after initially falling behind. The run culminated last Friday with a superb 2-0 home win over Champions League chasing Atletico Madrid, as Guruzeta and livewire Nico Williams netted to strengthen top four aspirations. Playing aggressive, dynamic football, Athletic have weapons across the pitch. Sustaining this form could see them mix with Spain’s elite in 2023 if the manager continues working his magic.
Las Palmas form analysis
Las Palmas have shown fighting spirit and improved results against tough opponents recently as they battle for La Liga survival. On November 11th they battled to a credible 1-1 away draw at Osasuna. Thanks to Alberto Moleiro wiping out the deficit. A respectable 1-0 loss away to European-chasing Real Betis followed before Las Palmas secured a massive 2-0 home win over Getafe on December 2nd, with Jonathan Araujo and Cristian Herrera netting a pivotal victory.
Building momentum, Las Palmas went away to high-flyers Alavés on December 9th and came away with a superb 1-0 victory after Kieran Rodríguez struck, hinting at their giant-killing potential. Most recently on the 17th Las Palmas battled to a 1-1 home draw with fellow strugglers Cádiz, equalizing late through Pejiño after initially establishing a lead. While still in the drop zone, Las Palmas have looked far more competitive in recent weeks while unearthing promising talents like Moleiro. If they can retain this momentum, the manager could just guide them to safety.
