Athletic Bilbao will be looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season when they host Getafe in the La Liga. The guests, meanwhile, set out on their journey with the hopes of earning their first road victories of the 2023–24 campaign.
Preview (Athletic Bilbao vs. Getafe)
Athletic Bilbao has recovered admirably after losing to Real Madrid 2-0 at home to start the season. They have been unbeaten for five games. The team led by Ernesto Valverde won back-to-back games against Osasuna and Real Betis. With a convincing 3-0 victory over Cadiz, they immediately got back on track. Next, they picked up another win as Inaki Williams and Oihan Sancet helped Los Leones defeat neighboring Basque club Alaves 2-0 on the road. Athletic Club is in fourth place going into Wednesday’s game. They won back-to-back games and kept three straight clean sheets.
Los Leones are hoping to enter the Basque derby against rival Real Sociedad on the heels of three straight wins. The visitors’ record through the first six games of the season is uneven, with two wins, one tie, and three losses. Due to victories over Alaves and Osasuna, as well as a goalless draw against Barcelona, they have earned all seven of their points this season at home. Jose Bordalas’ team has earned all seven points at home. They haven’t been able to carry over their strong home form away from home.
In the Azulones’ match against Real Sociedad on Saturday at the Reale Arena, the Azulones gave themselves a good chance after Carles Alena and Borja Mayoral both converted penalty kicks to give their team a 2-1 halftime lead after Take Kubo’s opening goal was wiped out. With goals from Mikel Oyarzabal twice and Brais Mendez once in the second half, Getafe’s opponents managed to turn the game in their favor. Even though Juanmi Latasa scored in stoppage time, it was too late as Getafe lost 4-3. It dropped them to 13th place heading into the midweek round of games.
Team News
Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao is expected to miss a third straight game due to an injury. He suffered while representing Spain at the international level. Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta has been added to the injured list after being taken out with a calf injury. Peru Nolaskoain is still out for the midweek match. Ruiz de Galarreta’s absence may provide veteran midfielder Dani Garcia the opportunity to make his season debut. Getafe has not revealed any new injury concerns, but they are still without forward Enes Unal and midfielder Luis Milla.
Latasa is anticipated to start again after scoring in the defeat to Real Sociedad after coming off the bench. Mason Greenwood is most likely to play as a substitute after coming off the bench in the last two games. We believe that Athletic Bilbao will be too strong for Getafe. They have suffered on the road this season, losing all three of their away games.
Athletic Bilbao 2 – 1 Getafe
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