Verdict: Home team to score Over 1.75 goals
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Athletic Bilbao will be looking to secure a victory in their home game against Mallorca. The match will take place at San Mames Stadium starting at 8 pm.
Athletic Bilbao
The hosts have so far had an exceptional season with very good results that put them in a favourable position to qualify for a European Cup in May. The team coached by the experienced Ernesto Valverde suffered only 4 defeats in La Liga, thus proving that it is a tough opponent.
Moreover, the Lions are having outstanding displays in front of their fans managing to win 8 of the 11 games played. Real Madrid is the only side who snatched all the points at San Mames, in the season s inaugural round match.
That defeat was like a cold shower for today s hosts who went on to have an incredible run without losing a single game in all competitions (10 wins and 2 draws). Bilbao also beat Spanish football heavyweights Atletico Madrid and Barcelona this term.
A 2-0 win against Diego Simeone s side was a statement made by Bilbao who are pushing towards a top 4 finish. Inaki Williams Co. are also through in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey after defeating Barcelona in a sensational thriller. Being 2-1 down at half time, The Lions proved once again their character turning the game around and winning in extra time (4-2 final score).
Team News
Ernesto Valverde has a few players injured and others who are on the verge of facing a suspension if they get booked against Mallorca. Alex Berenguer, the talented Spanish winger, is out with an ankle injury. Inigo Luiz joined him in the recovery room with a hip injury.
Imanol Garcia is expected to recover from his high fever. Centre-back pair Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes are at risk of being suspended if they get booked.
Mallorca
Mallorca are having a season below expectations, managing to win only 3 games out of the 22 played in the league. Javier Agguire s side is in free fall, finding themselves just 4 points off the relegation. The visitors have an obvious problem upfront, scoring only 18 goals this term. It is the second-weakest attack in La Liga after Cadiz.
Mallorca are not doing well away from home, managing to win only one game on the road in La Liga (1-0 at Celta Vigo). Athletic Bilbao has proved to be a scarecrow for Mallorca in their games at San Mames. The last time the Pirates managed to beat Valverde s side away was in 2010 (1-3 final score).
However, Javier Agguire s team pulled off a major upset in the Copa del Rey by knocking out Girona in the quarter-finals. It was a perfect game played by Mallorca whose strikers were in top form netting 3 goals (3-2 final result).
The visitors will be looking to repeat this performance on San Mames and get a much-needed win. Although they won this season only 3 games in La Liga, Mallorca is a difficult side to play against. Antonio Raillo Co. left the turf undefeated against Barcelona, a result they look to replicate against Bilbao.
However, Ernesto Valeverde s side was not able to defeat Mallorca this season pulling a disappointing goalless draw away from home.
Team News
Pablo Mafeo is out with a meniscus tear. His recovery is progressing well with the medical staff issuing a mid-February return to training. Brian Cuffre has suffered an adductor injury and will be out for a couple of weeks.
Besides the injury list, Javier Aguirre has a few players who are at risk of being suspended. Cyle Larin the in-form centre forward, and Jose Copete are one booking away from missing out on the next matches.
Key factors to consider
Athletic Bilbao is one of the best home teams in this season of La Liga.
Ernesto Valverde s side is fighting for a top 4 finish.
The hosts defeated Atletico Madrid and Barcelona this term.
Mallorca won just 3 La Liga games in the first 22 rounds.
Javier Aguirre s players knocked out Girona in Copa del Rey.
Conclusion
Thanks to its incredible run of results, Athletic Bilbao are favourites to win against Mallorca. Although the visitors displayed some recovery signs, it might not be enough to get the upper hand on Valverde s side. The hosts scored 4 goals against Barcelona and are expected to repeat the same performance against Mallorca.
Verdict: Home team to score Over 1.75 goals
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