Exclusively bring to you by ASAA88

MATCH PREVIEW

Athletic Bilbao remain on course for Copa Del Rey glory after a 1-0 first leg success over Granada in the Semi-Finals ten days ago, but their deep cup run is coming at a consequence, with their league form continuing to suffer.

Los Leones were beaten again on Matchday 24 as Osasuna ran out 0-1 winners at San Mames, and Gaizka Garitano’s side are now down to 10^th in the table after three straight losses and a dreadful sequence of nine top flight fixtures without a victory.

Hopes of qualifying for Europe via the standard route have all but gone up in smoke with seven points separating Bilbao from sixth placed Villarreal, and it looks for all money now that Garitano will solely focus on trying to secure the club a 24^th Copa triumph, and with it a berth in next season’s Europa League.

Alaves put nine points between themselves and the relegation zone after a hard fought 2-1 victory at home to Eibar on Matchday 24, but the gap was cut to six points again last weekend as Babazorros went down 1-0 against 18^th placed Mallorca at Son Moix.

The result further damaged Alaves’ awful record on the road this season (W2, D2 and L8), and raised doubts once more than the club could well be involved in a relegation tussle as we move into the final third of the campaign.

Like Bilbao, Alaves have been struggling massively on the whole of late with just two wins gained in their last ten La Liga matches, and despite their opponents’ long winless run, it’s difficult to put too much of a case together for Asier Garitano’s men.

PREDICTION

Athletic come into this on the back of back-to-back Basque derbies against Real Sociedad; one in the 2019/20 Copa del Rey final and one in La Liga in midweek.

The cup final defeat could damage the mentality of the players quite a bit but they have another chance to pick up silverware in the 2020/21 cup final next weekend. They come up against an Alaves side who have now switched managers following their 3-1 defeat at home to Celta in which they were blitzed in the first-half.

They remain in a dangerous position in the relegation battle. The switch in manager and Athletic’s potentially low morale could suggest a tight encounter so under 2.5 goals would be a good bet.

Disclaimer: For reference purpose only. All above views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of ASAA88.