Athletic Bilbao vs. Getafe: Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

On Thursday night, Athletic Bilbao will host Getafe at the Estadio San Mames to make an early statement in Basque Country as the new La Liga season begins.

Previous matches and head-to-head

To begin with, the hosts, Athletic Bilbao, who received a slew of accolades from Spain's elite last season despite ultimately missing out on a coveted Champions League ticket, are worthy of some recognition. After finishing the 2023–24 season with a 1-0 victory away at Rayo Vallecano, Ernesto Valverde's squad will aim to pick up exactly where they left off in May. The former Barcelona manager oversaw a team that lost only once in their last five La Liga matches last season, setting the stage for an upcoming Europa League adventure. Bilbao, who are gaining a reputation for defensive tenacity in Basque Country and finished last season with the second-best defensive record in the league, should be looking for a chance to capitalize on Thursday night's match.

Although Getafe may have easily qualified for La Liga last season, the Blues ended the 2023–24 season embroiled in a public controversy. This might be a tough test for Jose Bordalas's team since they have lost all five of their previous top-flight matches by an aggregate score of 9-1. Similarly, the Madrid-based club had prolonged difficulties in the closing third of games and managed only one win out of nine La Liga encounters since returning from the international break in March. On Thursday night, Getafe will go to Basque Country as heavy underdogs. Their dismal record against teams ranked in the top four should also be a cause for concern. They have lost all eight of their previous encounters against Bilbao, the most recent being a 2-0 loss on May 3rd.

Athletic Bilbao x Getafe Team News

It is still being determined if Nico Williams, a 22-year-old offensive talisman, will play on Thursday night due to the persistent rumors that he will be transferred to Barcelona this summer. Bilbao will likely suffer a significant setback in this matchup due to the absence of Unai Simon, their Spanish national goalie.

Midweek will mark Alvaro Djalo's La Liga debut after reportedly arriving from Braga this summer for €15 million. After being promoted, Academy graduate Hugo Rincon may play right back for Valverde's first team this season.

It is still being determined whether offensive talisman Borja Mayoral will play on Thursday night since he has not played a game since sustaining a long-term knee injury. Here, 22-year-old Peter Federico will make his official debut for Getafe after completing a summer transfer from Real Madrid.

Diego Rico, who just signed a deal from Real Sociedad, might play right away after leaving Bournemouth last month. Ex-Barcelona sensation Carles Perez is joining Getafe on loan for the season from Celta Vigo and may start up front for the Spanish club.

Our Predictions

Athletico Bilbao to win @ 1.50 on SKY247.ng

Bilbao wants to create a solid first impression here because they are determined to make a serious run at the Champions League this season. The hosts from Thursday should be getting a whiff of a chance this week, hoping to pick up where they left off in May. We anticipate a repeat performance at the Estadio San Mames after they duly defeated Getafe 2-0 in their last La Liga encounter on May 3rd.

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