The match means little to Sevilla: Champions League qualification already secured. Unlike Athletic Bilbao, who are dreaming of overtaking Villarreal to gain qualification for the next European cups. Should Emery’s men lose, Marcelino’s team might even be satisfied with a draw because of the direct clashes. And the yellow submarine also plays at home to Barcelona, so anything really can happen.
Of course there is this match to play. With Lopetegui wishing to bid farewell to his public with a fine victory after a season that, at the end of the day, could even be categorised as satisfactory for what has been the journey, especially in the first part of the season, for the Andalusians. Then the drop in form, both physical and mental, led to what will still be a place in the top European competition next year. Not bad, anyway.
Going to see the real motivations of the match, it is normal, however, that Athletic could find the big blow. Especially given the far from easy commitment of Villarreal. Win and hope for a gift. That can be expected.
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The Prediction
A match that could see a resounding away victory. The motivation is all on the side of Athletic Bilbao, who are still in the running for a European place. A match that should still provide at least three goals in total and also one goal per team.
Sevilla v Athletic Bilbao likely line-ups
Sevilla (4-3-3): Bono; Montiel, Kounde, Diego Carlos, Acuna; Rakitic, Gudelj, Delaney; Ocampos, El Nesyri , Papu Gomez.
ATHLETIC BILBAO (5-3-2): Simon; de Marcos, Alvarez, Martinez, Berchiche; Williams, Vencedor, Garcia, Muniain; Raul Garcia, Inaki Williams.
