Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao
La Liga
Monday
12th February 2024
Juegos del Mediterraneo
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the La Liga fixture between Almeria and Athletic Bilbao.
Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao: Preview
Almeria form analysis
Rojiblancos have shown mixed form in recent La Liga matches. After starting January with a narrow 1-0 loss away to Osasuna, they bounced back with a resilient 0-0 home draw against Girona. However, their form then took a major dip as they suffered back-to-back heavy defeats. First was a dramatic 3-2 loss away to Real Madrid, despite taking a surprise early 2-goal lead through Ramazani and Edgar González. Madrid stormed back to win with Bellingham converting a penalty before second half goals from Vinícius Júnior and Carvajal. An even more damaging result followed as Almeria were thrashed 0-3 at home by Alaves.
Omorodion grabbed a brace for Alaves after Luis Rioja scored a penalty. Most recently, Almeria suffered a fourth defeat in five league games as Valencia beat them 2-1 away from home. Despite Baptistão pulling a goal back late on, first half goals from Duro and Yaremchuk secured the win for Valencia. In summary, after showing some early promise in 2024 with the draw against Girona, Almeria’s form has nosedived. Four defeats in five has seen them ship 9 goals while scoring just thrice. The manager will hope to stem these heavy defeats quickly if Almeria are to pull away from the relegation zone. Tighter defensive performances are badly needed.
Athletic Bilbao form analysis
Athletic Bilbao have shown inconsistent form in recent La Liga matches. After starting 2024 with a 2-0 away win at Sevilla thanks to goals from Vesga and Aitor Paredes, they got yet another impressive 2-1 home win over Real Sociedad. A brace from Alex Berenguer helped Athletic come from behind after initially going 1-0 down to claim the vital derby victory. However, inconsistent form returned as Athletic suffered a 1-0 away defeat to Valencia, with Hugo Duro netting the winner.
This was followed by a dour goalless draw away to struggling Cadiz, in a match where Athletic failed to capitalize on their chances. Most recently though, Athletic produced their best performance of 2024 so far, hammering Mallorca 4-0 at home. Goals from Yuri, Guruzeta and Muniain gave Athletic a comfortable lead before Yuri grabbed his second late on to round off an excellent attacking display. Overall, while Athletic have shown they have the quality to beat top sides like Real Sociedad, greater consistency is needed if they are to make a push further to the top. Turning draws into wins will be key – starting at struggling sides like Cadiz is important.
Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao: Prediction
Athletic Club have lost just once on the road in La Liga since October. They are my pick to take all three points against a club that are winkless in 26 league matches.
The visitors enter this fixture with back to back clean sheets. I see them making it three in three as they face a club that has failed to score in their last four home fixtures in the league.
