The Matchday 23 clash in La Liga between Athletic and Girona will take place on February 8 at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao. Athletic vs. Girona: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Athletic
The team dropped four points in their last two La Liga matches. The Basques first drew at home against Leganes (0-0) and then played to a draw away with Betis (2-2). Nevertheless, the club's unbeaten streak in the league has extended to 13 matches (7 wins and 6 draws). Ernesto Valverde's side is in fourth place, but the gap to the nearest chaser has narrowed to four points.
- Both teams scored in 6 of Athletic's last 8 games in La Liga.
- The number "2" appeared in the final score in 6 of the club's last 8 league matches.
- The Basques have not trailed at halftime in 12 consecutive home matches in La Liga (8 wins and 4 draws).
Predicted lineup for Athletic (4-2-3-1)
Unai Simon – Aitor Paredes, Andoni Gorosabel, Lekue, Daniel Vivian – Mikel Vesga, Mikel Haurregui – Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, Unai Gomez – Alex Berenguer.
Girona
The Catalans took advantage of their home support in the last round, defeating Las Palmas at Montilivi (2-1). Before that, the club lost by the same scoreline to Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano. Michel Sanchez's side continues to hold onto seventh place, with the European competition zone just one point away.
Note the loan of midfielder Arthur Melo, who joined from Juventus.
- The number "1" appeared in the final score in 11 of Girona's last 15 league matches.
- At least three goals were scored in 8 of the Catalans' last 9 matches in La Liga.
- The club did not concede a goal in the first 45 minutes in five previous La Liga matches.
Predicted lineup for Girona (4-2-3-1)
Paulo Gazzaniga – Juanpe, Miguel Gutierrez, Ladislav Krejci, Arnau Martinez – Ivan Martin, Yangel Herrera – Donny van de Beek, Viktor Tsygankov, Bryan Gil – Abel Ruiz.
Athletic vs. Girona: Match Prediction
Michel Sanchez's side will find it challenging to secure three points in Bilbao, as the hosts rarely lose at home in La Liga. However, I expect the visitors to find the back of the net, and the match to be a high-scoring affair. The Basques have scored in 26 of their last 29 home matches in La Liga, while also conceding in 6 of their previous 9 league games at home.
Girona does not impress away, but they have scored in their last five La Liga matches. Meanwhile, the Catalans have conceded in 15 of their previous 19 away league matches. Additionally, both teams have scored in the last six head-to-head meetings in La Liga.
My prediction – Both teams to score – Yes