The Matchday 1 clash in La Liga between Athletic and Sevilla will take place on August 17 at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. Athletic vs. Sevilla: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Athletic
The Basque team finished last season's La Liga in 4th place. The club from Bilbao made it to the top four for the first time since the 2013/14 season, which means they will play in the Champions League group stage for the first time in 11 years. Notably, Ernesto Valverde's side had the best defensive record, conceding only 29 goals. However, in the off-season, Athletic played 7 friendly matches and disappointed not only with the results but also with their defensive performance – 1 win and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 6:15.
In the summer, the team strengthened with defender Jesus Areso and forward Robert Navarro. The club also loaned out forward Alvaro Djalo, defender Hugo Rincon, and goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala.
- The club has not lost in 26 of their last 29 league matches (15 wins and 11 draws).
- At least one team failed to score in Athletic's last 7 La Liga matches.
- In the final round of the previous La Liga season, the Basques lost to Barcelona, but before that, they had a 15-match unbeaten streak in the league (10 wins and 5 draws).
Predicted lineup for Athletic (5-2-3)
Unai Simon – Yuri Berchiche, Daniel Vivian, Andoni Gorosabel, Adama Boiro, Lekue – Mikel Jauregi, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Nico Williams, Gorka Guruzeta, Inaki Williams.
Defender Unai Eguiluz is out due to suspension. Midfielders Unai Gomez, Benat Prados, and Oihan Sancet, as well as defender Aitor Paredes, will miss the match due to injuries.
Sevilla
The team finished last season in 17th place, narrowly avoiding relegation to the Segunda Division. They were just one point ahead of the nearest relegation zone rival. In the 21st century, Sevilla has never finished this low in the standings. The club ended up near the bottom three due to poor results in the spring – they managed only 1 win in the last 11 rounds (2 draws and 8 losses). This summer, they played 6 friendly matches, losing only once (2 wins and 3 draws).
Since July, the team has been led by head coach Matias Almeyda, who previously worked at AEK. Interestingly, the club did not buy or sell any players this summer. Free agents Alfon Gonzalez and defender Gabriel Suazo joined the team.
- Sevilla conceded first in 6 of their last 8 La Liga matches.
- Sevilla is on a 5-match losing streak in away league games.
- The team has not won the first half in 13 consecutive La Liga matches (9 draws and 4 losses).
Predicted lineup for Sevilla (4-4-2)
Alvaro Fernandez – Kike Salas, Marcao, Jose Carmona, Adria Pedrosa – Ruben Vargas, Djibril Sow, Juanlu Sanchez, Nemanja Gudelj – Dodi Lukebakio, Rafa Mir.
Due to injuries, defenders Ramon Martinez, Loic Bade, and Tanguy Nianzou, midfielders Joan Jordan and Stanis Idumbo-Muzambo, and forward Chidera Ejuke will miss the match.
Referee:
Francisco Jose Hernandez (Spain)
Matches – 19 (La Liga, 2024/2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 87;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.5;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 16%.
Match Prediction: Athletic vs. Sevilla
Sevilla narrowly avoided relegation from La Liga last season. For the past three seasons, the club has not invested in acquiring significant players, resulting in finishes no higher than 10th place. Judging by this summer's transfer activity, or lack thereof, Sevilla will likely be battling for survival again this season. The guests approach the start of the new season with only one win against relegated Las Palmas in their last 11 La Liga matches.
The Basques played excellently at home in La Liga last season, losing only to Atletico and Barcelona. The club's defense conceded less than 0.7 goals on average in home league matches. Given Sevilla's weak attacking lineup, Athletic could keep a clean sheet once again. Notably, in the last two seasons, the Bilbao club has defeated Sevilla three times with a shutout and drawn once.
My prediction – Athletic Victory
