Athletic Bilbao want to continue their good start
Athletic Bilbao have a lot on their plate this season and already formulated big ambitions in the summer. The Basques are aiming in the direction of the European Cup, but of course it is not yet clear whether they will be able to achieve that.
In the run-up to the match between Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano, the odds show the hosts from the Basque country as favourites. This is not surprising, as the start of the hosts has been quite decent.
But Rayo Vallecano have also been basically very decent so far. The visitors can hurt any opponent on a good day, including Athletic Bilbao. The game at the San Mames kicks off at 9pm on Saturday evening.
Athletic Bilbao – Statistics & current form
Athletic Bilbao have once again made minor changes to the squad in the summer. The team continues to be made up only of players from the Basque Country or players who have connections to it, i.e. were born there or have relatives there or have lived there for a long time. The fact that this team has never been relegated from La Liga with these prerequisites can be considered outstanding in itself.
Ernesto Valverde has been in charge of the Basques on the sidelines since this summer. With a few adjustments, he continues the path he has taken so far. Athletic plays a very orderly and structured football. The team allows very little to happen and always uses the good players around Inaki Williams up front.
This led to a 4:1 victory at FC Elche. The fact that this result is almost absurd becomes apparent when looking at the overall goal difference. After five league games, Athletic Bilbao have a goal difference of 9:2, especially at home. The Basques have played three home games so far, scoring only two goals.
Athletic Bilbao are particularly convincing defensively
So far, the hosts’ defence has been very good. Two goals conceded in five games mark a very good value, there was only one defeat so far. That’s why the home side are in a good position in the table and already have one eye on the top. Another positive result now against Rayo Vallecano would mean a very strong record before the international matches.
Compactness is therefore the key for the hosts to achieve success. Only three defeats in the last ten games, so if Athletic Bilbao become even more consistent overall, there is not much standing in the way of a very good season. In La Liga, the team could benefit from the fact that the European Cup participants have to contend with an even tougher programme than usual. The Basques’ squad has been considerably weaker in the past, especially across the board.
Because Athletic’s strengths are playing against the ball and they don’t want to concede much, our prediction before the match between Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano is that less than 2.5 goals will be scored.
Predicted line-up of Athletic Bilbao:
Unai Simon – de Marcos, Martinez, Vivian, Capa – Vesga, Vencedor, Sancet – Nico Williams, Muniain, Inaki Williams
Last matches played by Athletic Bilbao:
La Liga
11/09/2022 – Elche 1 – 4 Athletic Bilbao
04/09/2022 – Athletic Bilbao 0 – 1 Espanyol
30/08/2022 – Cadiz 0 – 4 Athletic Bilbao
21/08/2022 – Athletic Bilbao 1 – 0 Valencia
15/08/2022 – Athletic Bilbao 0 – 0 Mallorca
Rayo Vallecano – Statistics & current form
Rayo Vallecano is one of those teams in La Liga that are very unpleasant to play against. Andoni Iraola, the coach of this team, follows a very compact approach, similar to Valverde on the opposite side. The main focus is on protecting the own goal, while the forwards should be able to create something situationally.
On the last matchday, Rayo won 2-1 at home against Valencia CF. This match showed quite well where the journey should go and which factors have a decisive influence on Rayo Vallecano’s game. The possession figures were not too high, but it was enough to pose problems to a decent opponent and eventually defeat them. After five games, the hosts have scored five goals and conceded five.
So there is no question of spectacle, just like with the hosts. The difference is that the visitors have more catching up to do defensively and don’t seem quite as fluid and versatile offensively. Most recently, however, they signed a very good offensive player in Raul de Tomas, who is expected to make a big impact quickly.
More points are needed
In their last nine games, however, Rayo Vallecano have only managed two wins. The visitors must improve and try to show a better rate in terms of points. In this way, they can also succeed in playing a season in which it is not primarily and until the end against relegation.
The first signs of the new season were already visible, and Rayo Vallecano are already doing very well, especially thanks to the good result against Valencia. Because both teams put a lot of emphasis on an orderly defence in this match, our value tip before the Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano match is that not both teams will score.
Predicted line-up of Rayo Vallecano:
Dimitrievski – Balliu, Lejeune, Catena, Garcia – Comesana, Valentin, Palazon, Trejo, Garcia – Falcao
Last matches played by Rayo Vallecano:
La Liga
10/09/2022 – Rayo Vallecano 2 – 1 Valencia
04/09/2022 – Osasuna Pamplona 2 – 1 Rayo Vallecano
28/08/2022 – Rayo Vallecano 0 – 2 Mallorca
20/08/2022 – Espanyol 0 – 2 Rayo Vallecano
14/08/2022 – FC Barcelona 0 – 0 Rayo Vallecano
Athletic Bilbao – Rayo Vallecano Direct comparison / H2H record
In total, the two teams have faced each other in 42 direct duels. Rayo Vallecano have eleven wins, but Athletic Bilbao have won 20 matches against this opponent. Eleven games have ended in draws. In pre-season, Rayo won both games, albeit narrowly (1-0, 2-1).
Athletic Bilbao – Rayo Vallecano tip
Athletic Bilbao are favourites in this match and have thoroughly deserved it based on their performances so far in the new season. But opponents Rayo are not to be underestimated.
At least a roughly similar approach is taken by both, namely a rather compact one. Therefore, before the match Athletic Bilbao against Rayo Vallecano, our tip is that less than 2.5 goals will be scored.
