Udinese-Athletic Bilbao is a friendly and will be played on Saturday at 20:00: news, stats, live TV, streaming, likely formations, predictions.
Udinese got off to the best possible start, picking up six wins in their first six league matches. It was a sparkling start, difficult to predict for the Friulian side led by newcomer Andrea Sottil, but from October onwards they definitely slowed down.
The last victory dates back to more than two months ago, against Verona. Since then the Bianconeri have not won, totalling five draws and three defeats, including one in the Coppa Italia against Monza. The break may have benefited Deulofeu and his team-mates, who appeared a little short of breath before everything stopped to allow the World Cup to take place. However, Udinese remain on the edge of the European zone with 24 points, not a bad haul if we consider that the initial objective was to reach salvation as soon as possible. Sottil and his team, before facing Empoli on 4 January in the first day of Serie A in 2023, have chosen to measure themselves against opponents of international calibre. Last Saturday they took on West Ham, losing 3-1, but a week later they will face Athletic Bilbao’s Basque side.
Ernesto Valverde’s men are one of the big surprises in La Liga and have 24 points just like Udinese. Unlike the Friulians, however, the Biancorossi are fourth behind their ‘cousins’ Real Sociedad and the impregnable Real Madrid and Barcelona. Athletic have already shown good fitness in their first friendlies, beating Real Valladolid, Guadalajara and Burgos without conceding a single goal.
Valverde
The Prediction
Udinese should be able to hold their own against Athletic Bilbao, who have impressed in their first three friendlies and will be slight favourites in this match. In all likelihood the two teams will score at least one goal each
Udinese v Athletic Bilbao: Lineup of Udinese v Athletic Bilbao
- UDINESE (3-5-2): Silvestri; Perez, Bijol, Nuytinck; Pereyra, Lovric, Walace, Samardzic, Udogie; Beto, Success.
- ATHLETIC BILBAO (4-3-3): Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Alvarez, Martinez, Berchiche; Vesga, Sancet, Garcia; Berenguer, Guruzeta, Muniain.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
