Betdistrict.com
Athletic Bilbao might feel they have the best chance to go trough after the 2-2 draw with Torino in the first leg, but the Italian side has what it takes to record a memorable qualification on the road.
Bilbao built on the 2-2 draw against Torino with a 1-0 home win in Primera against Rayo, only their second win in February in all competitions. But yet again the performance was rather disappointing, just like it was in Turin, where Bilbao was lucky to score twice and escape with a positive result after barely threatening the opposing goal. There`s no doubt that Athletic Bilbao is struggling, but the Basque side will be hoping for a vintage performance at home today, as San Mames used to be a scary place for opponents to play until this season.
Torino should have won the first leg, there`s no doubt about that, but fortunately for them they kept the spirits high and recorded an excellent 1-1 draw against Fiorentina over the weekend. It was the 7th consecutive game without a loss for Torino – actually, going a little bit deeper with the stats, it was the 13th game without a loss from the last 14 and the 7th consecutive road game without a win.
Bet on Athletic Bilbao vs. Torino and claim your 100% welcome bonus at Bet365!
Team news & lineups: No big handicap with new injuries or suspensions is reported from either side, we should have similar lineups to the ones that played in the first leg.
Listen, Athletic Bilbao is the more seasoned side in European competitions and home court advantage is always big for them, but few can argue that Torino is the team in form right now. Looking at the stats, the excellent form of the visitors and the way the first leg played out, I can really see the Italians snatching at least a draw here and maybe even recording a historic qualification. Torino impresses time and time again this season with their ability to play against the big boys, even away from home – just remember that excellent performance in the Turin derby, losing in the dying seconds against Juve. They have a very solid counter attacking gameplan that will suit well against Athletic.
My tip is Torino +0,5 handicap and I`m quite sure Bilbao would not mind a 0-0 or 1-1 draw – in their current form, they might even play for it. Prediction: Athletic Bilbao – Torino 1-1.
Pick: Torino +0,5
Odds: 1.99 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.92
Event date: 26 February
