With just a few hours to go before the start of the league season, things are not looking good for Sevilla. The Andalusian club’s problems continue unabated, after finishing last season in 17th place, their worst finish since relegation in 1999-2000, narrowly avoiding relegation to the Segunda Division. Meanwhile, the club has failed to resolve its financial problems and La Liga rules currently prevent it from registering some of its new signings, most of whom arrived on free transfers.
Coach Matias Almeyda, in his first season at the helm of Sevilla, also has to contend with numerous injuries, including Romero, Badé, Jordan, Vargas, and Nianzou. The Red and Whites will therefore travel to Bilbao to face Athletic with a depleted squad: few players are currently available. On the other hand, Ernesto Valverde’s men, who will return to Champions League action this year, are coming off a preseason in which they suffered almost nothing but defeats: yes, it’s only summer soccer, but between July and August, the Leones only got the better of Ponferradina, losing to Alavés, PSV Eindhoven, Racing de Santander, and Liverpool. It’s normal for fans to be a little worried. Meanwhile, Athletic’s best “signing” continues to be the retention of its star player, Nico Williams: very close to Barcelona, the Spanish international has decided to renew his contract and commit to the club that has seen him grow for many years.
Odds comparison
Athletic Bilbao’s victory is priced at 1.58 on Lottomatica and 1.60 on Snai. The “No Goal” option is priced at 1.65 on Lottomatica and 1.67 on Snai.
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Prediction
Athletic Bilbao did not shine in the preseason but should have no trouble getting the better of a decimated Sevilla: we believe that the Leones can win by at least two goals at the San Mamés fortress.
Probable line-ups for Athletic Bilbao-Sevilla
ATHLETIC BILBAO (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Areso, Paredes, Vivian, Berchiche; de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Sannadi.
SEVILLA (3-4-1-2): Nyland; Salas, Carmona, Marcao; Juanlu Sanchez, Agoumé, Gudelj, Suazo; Sow; Adams, Lukebakio.