La Liga | Gameweek 24

Feb 16, 2025 at 1pm UK

RCDE Stadium

Espanyol vs Athletic Bilbao

Match preview

Espanyol went into their trip to Real Sociedad last weekend on a four-match unbeaten run in La Liga, but suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Basque side, with the winner coming in the 84th minute.

However, it was another encouraging performance from Manolo Gonzalez's men and their recent revival has seen them move out of the bottom three, where they currently sit in 16th position.

Espanyol are just one point clear of the relegation zone, and things are getting incredibly tight at the bottom, with just two points separating 19th-placed Alaves from Las Palmas in 15th.

The White and Blues are on a three-match losing streak against Athletic, including a 4-1 defeat in their previous meeting this season.

Espanyol have not beaten Athletic at home in the Spanish top flight since November 2018, and they will welcome a side who have not tasted defeat in La Liga since the start of October.

Athletic were disappointingly knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Osasuna last month, but the Lions are still fighting on two fronts this season after securing a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Meanwhile, Ernesto Valverde's side have enjoyed an impressive league campaign, winning 12, drawing eight and losing three of their 23 games to pick up 44 points and sit fourth in the table.

Athletic are four points clear of fifth-placed Villarreal and only six points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, so they are certainly potential title contenders this season, at least on paper.

The Red and Whites have not finished in the top four since the 2013-14 season, while they have finished 11th, 10th and eighth in four of the last five seasons, so there has been a huge improvement in recent times.

Athletic go into the game on the back of a 3-0 home win over Girona, with Oihan Sancet scoring a hat-trick for the Basque side, who have taken 19 points from their 11 away games this season.

Recent Performance

Espanyol La Liga form:LDWDWL

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:DWWDDW

Athletic Bilbao form (all competitions):WLDWDW

Team News

Espanyol will be without the services of Jose Gragera due to a thigh problem, while Brian Olivan, Fernando Pacheco and Pol Lozano could also miss out due to muscular problems.

However, Carlos Romero is back in the squad after serving a suspension and the Spaniard is set to return to the side at left-back.

Javi Puado has been in impressive goalscoring form for the Catalans this season, finding the back of the net on eight occasions, and the 26-year-old will once again feature in the final third of the field.

Athletic will be without the services of Alvaro Djalo due to an ankle problem, while Nico Williams and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta are both doubtful after undergoing late fitness tests.

Sancet netted three times in the win over Girona and will start at number 10, while Alex Berenguer is expected to continue on the left with Nico Williams' fitness uncertain.

Mikel Jauregizar has caught the eye with a number of impressive performances this season - Real Madrid are said to be his admirers - and the 21-year-old will once again have a place in the middle of the park.

Possible starting lineup

Espanyol possible starting lineup:

J Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Puado, Aguado, Kral, Roca; Fernandez, Exposito

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:

Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Boiro; Jauregizar, Prados; I Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta