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Athletic Bilbao hosts Levante in the second round of the La Liga Primera. Both teams lost the opening round 1-0.
Bilbao was robbed by the referee in their 0-1 loss at Malaga, some abysmal decision from the man with the wistle who denied them a clear goal and a clear penalty in injury time. Sure … Bilbao should not have got to that point to need a goal in the 90 minute but playing at Malaga is not so easy and Athletic was focused on the Champions League tie with Napoli … where they qualified playing brilliant football … so I do not dwell too much on the Malaga result. Even losing Herrera to Man Utd Bilbao has a great team this year and top 4 finish is within their grasp. Bilbao can send the best lineup on the pitch they have no injuries or suspensions.
Athletic Bilbao lineup: Iraizoz – Iraola, Gurpegi, Laporte, Balenziaga – Iturraspe, Rico – Susaeta, Benat, Muniain, Aduriz
Levante looks weaker than last season … they lost main man Keylor Navas and lost 0-1 at home to Villareal in the first round … a bad result because Levante usually gets its points at home. The visitors will have problems today for sure because they are a poor team on the road and have big problems scoring especially away. Levante has Juanfran, Rodas, Gavilan and Camarasa questionable for this match.
Levante lineup: Marino – Lopez, Navarro, Adoua, Karabelas – Xumetra, Diop, Simao, Ivanschitz – Victor, Barral
I can see Bilbao bouncing back today … they need the points badly after the Malaga loss and they have great morale after the Napoli game. Athletic will be happy to meet an inferior team that does not play well on the road and struggles with scoring … exactly the type of team they like to meet at San Mames, where they have an amazing record. I’m not sure if Athletic will cover a 1 goal handicap because they might be a little tired after the Napoli game and Levante defends well, but for sure Athletic should get the win and not concede a goal to this team. My tip will be Athletic Bilbao to win to nil … better odds than the 1 goal handicap and better bet also in my eyes. Last season Athletic won 2-1 both games. Correct score prediction: Athletic Bilbao – Levante 1-0.
Pick: Athletic Bilbao to win to nil
Odds: 2.00 @ Bet365
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8
Event date: 30 August
