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Bilbao will once again try to earn an european spot this season, it will be a tough job, but not impossible for the basque team. The hosts got off to a great start in La Liga with a solid 2-1 away win at Valladolid. Atletico showed a very good display, especially impressive since we know that Bilbao`s strength is at home. The hosts have a new manager in Ernersto Valverde, and after the off-season preparation and the first round performance it seems that he can do some great things with this team.
An important disadvantage for Atletico is that they will not play this game at San Mames, with the stadium being under construction. But they will still get great support in San Sebastian, a city close to Bilbao. An attendance of over 20.000 is expected.
Probable line-up: Herrerin – Iraola, Laporte, Gurpegui, Balenziaga – Iturraspe, Benat Etxebarria – M.Susaeta, Ander Herrera, Iker Muniain – Aduriz
Keeper Iraizoz is highly questionable, same as new-signing Rico. Aduriz will return after missing the last match. As you can see, there is great quality in this Bilbao team.
Osasuna barely escaped relegation last season and this year they could have an even tougher task to stay in La Liga, as they sold some important players and their squad is rather poor for first league standards. The visitors were disastrous in the pre-season friendlies and that poor form continued in the first official game of the year, where they lost 1-2 to weak Granada at home.
Probable line-up: Andres Fernandez – Marc Bertran, Arribas, Loties, Joan Oriol – Silva, Raoul Loe – Sisi, Armenteros, de la Cuevas – Riera
The visitors have a number of injuries, no less than 6 players being unavailable for this game. It`s a real problem for them, as the depth in the squad is very thin. This was obvious in the Granada loss.
This is a basque derby. Last year Atletico won the home game 1-0.
Bilbao is still counting on home points this season despite not playing at San Mames until mid-september. Quality of the team, form, Osasuna`s squad problems, and that “half-home” court advantatage should allow the hosts to get the three points today. Overall Atletico has every reason to win this game and most probably they will do just that. Osasuna is just really poor, while the hosts are actually a solid bunch. I’m backing Bilbao to win with big stakes. 3-1 would be my call for this one.
Pick: Atletico Bilbao
Odds: 1.67 @ Ladbrokes
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 6.03
Event date: 23 August
