The Matchday 37 La Liga clash between Valencia and Athletic will take place on May 18 at the Mestalla Stadium. Valencia vs. Athletic: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Valencia
In the previous round, Valencia suffered a disappointing 0-1 away defeat to Alaves. Before this, the team was on a 10-match unbeaten run in the league, securing 6 wins and 4 draws. This loss has significantly reduced their chances of qualifying for European competitions, as they now trail the top eight by three points. Additionally, Carlos Corberán's side ended their 10-match scoring streak in La Liga.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 9 of Valencia's last 10 La Liga games.
- The team has not conceded in the second half in their last five home league matches.
- Valencia has won 7 of their last 9 home games in La Liga.
Predicted lineup for Valencia (4-3-3)
Giorgi Mamardashvili – César Tárrega, José Luis Gayà, Dimitri Foulquier, Cristhian Mosquera – Javi Guerra, Pepelu, André Almeida – Diego López, Hugo Duro, Luis Rioja.
Athletic
The Basques have secured a spot in next season's Champions League. This was achieved after their 2-0 victory over Getafe in the last round. Ernesto Valverde's side is unbeaten and hasn't conceded in their last four La Liga matches. The team can finish the season as high as third (three points behind Atlético) or as low as fifth (three points ahead of Villarreal).
- In their last 10 La Liga matches, the team has lost only once (5 wins and 4 draws).
- At least one team failed to score in 8 of Athletic's last 9 league games.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 10 of Athletic's last 11 La Liga matches.
Predicted lineup for Athletic (4-3-3)
Unai Simón – Yuri Berchiche, Dani Vivian, Yeray Álvarez, Andoni Gorosabel – Mikel Jauregi, Unai Gómez, Mikel Vesga – Gorka Guruzeta, Maroan Sanadi, Álex Berenguer.
Referee
Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz (Spain)
Matches – 18 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 67;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.7;
Red cards shown – 6;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 22%.
Valencia vs. Athletic: Match Prediction
The Basques are returning to the Champions League after 10 years. With their main objective for the season achieved, the team might relax a bit. I predict that the club's head coach will rest some key players and give playing time to the second-string squad.
Valencia, eager to secure a European spot, should capitalize on this. They need to defeat both Athletic and Betis to break into the top eight. Valencia has performed well at home, losing only to Atlético in their last nine league matches. Additionally, Valencia has not lost in 6 of their last 8 La Liga encounters at Mestalla against Athletic (4 wins and 2 draws).
My prediction – Valencia with a handicap (0)