La Liga | Gameweek 8

Sep 29, 2024 at 3.15pm UK

San Mames Barria

Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla

Match preview

Athletic had a pretty lacklustre start to the 2024-25 La Liga season, only picking up four points from their first four games. But they've since posted three straight wins over Las Palmas, Leganés and Celta Vigo, which has seen them climb up the table.

The Lions have picked up 13 points from seven matches, putting them in fifth place, just one point behind fourth-placed Villarreal. They beat Celta 3-1 in the league last weekend.

Ernesto Valverde's side then moved on to the Europa League, opening their 2024-25 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Roma in Italy. Aitor Parades scored a late equaliser for the Basque outfit.

Athletic came fifth in La Liga last season and will be hoping to be in and around that position for much of this campaign. It's not yet clear how Valverde will balance European commitments.

The Basque team beat Sevilla twice in the league during the 2023-24 season, including a 2-0 win at San Mames towards the end of the season.

Sevilla aren't in Europe this season. Their 14th-placed finish last term was their worst in Spain's top flight since they were relegated in 2000.

Los Nervionenses have also had a tough start to the 2024-25 season, with a record of two wins, two draws and three losses, earning eight points and placing them in 13th.

On a more positive note, Garcia Pimienta's side have won two of their last three league matches. They beat Getafe and Real Valladolid at home, and drew with Alaves 2-1.

Sevilla were looking like they were going to share the points with Real Valladolid last time out, but Chidera Ejuke scored the winning goal in the 85th minute to secure the three points for the hosts at Estadio Ramón.

Even though Sevilla lost both league games last season, they did manage to beat Athletic recently. It was a 1-0 victory at San Mames in April 2023.

Recent Performance

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:LWLWWW

Athletic Bilbao form (all competitions):WLWWWD

Sevilla La Liga form:LDLWLW

Injuries and suspensions

Athletic Bilbao

1U. Simon

21A. Herrera

24B. Prados

5Y. Alvarez

Sevilla

20D. Sow

7I. Romero

17S. Niguez

12A. Sambi Lokonga

23Marcao

Possible starting lineups

Athletic Bilbao(4-2-3-1)

13Agirrezabala(GK)

18Marcos(DR)

3Vivian(DC)

15Lekue(DC)

32Boiro(DL)

24Prados(DMC)

23Jauregizar(DMC)

9Williams(AMR)

8Sancet(AMC)

7Berenguer(AML)

12Guruzeta(FW)

Sevilla(4-2-3-1)

13Nyland(GK)

32Carmona(DR)

23Marcão(DC)

22Badé(DC)

19Barco(DL)

6Gudelj(DMC)

18Agoume(DMC)

16Navas(AMR)

14Peque(AMC)

11Lukébakio(AML)

9Iheanacho(FW)