Both teams have made very few new signings compared to last season. So much so that the starting line-up, at least for this first day of the season, should be almost the same teams that last year competed in two completely different leagues. Of course, Athletic Bilbao eventually, and when the games really counted, failed to win a trophy. Unlike Mallorca, who lifted that trophy, called salvation, to the sky, winning a hard-earned stay that at one point in the season seemed utopian.
The objectives then are different. The hosts are keen to make a comeback after several years in the wings. Mallorca have every desire to sweat less, to struggle less, and to be less afraid to take salvation. Of course the debut for the Majorcans will be anything but easy, especially against a team that is really scary at home. That’s why in this August challenge there is a widely favoured line-up.
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The Prediction
Athletic Bilbao should have no problem taking these first three points of the season. Furthermore, the Basques would be ready, according to the latest market rumours, to take back Herrera, the Psg midfielder with whom an agreement would have already been found. A victory therefore also to welcome the possible graft.
Athletic Bilbao-Maiorca matchday squad
ATHLETIC BILBAO (4-2-3-1): Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Martinez, Petxa, Vivian; Sancet, N. Williams, Vesga, Sancet; I. Williams, Morcillo.
MAIORCA (4-3-3): Rajkovic; Gaya, Copete, Costa, Maffeo; Prats, Grenier, Rodriguez; Rodriguez, Prats, Baba.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
