Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction

Athletic Bilbao may be the rooted bottom of the La Liga standings at the time of writing, but Gaizka Garitano knows his side can shoot up the table this weekend. After a 2-0 defeat by Granada on MD1, they face an away trip to Eibar - who finished just six points clear of the relegation places last season. On paper, that seems a straightforward match.

Eibar are motivated to earn their first win since mid-July while chipping away at a dismal H2H record against Sunday's opponents (six defeats, eight draws, one win).

Will either side emerge victorious to finish the weekend with a welcome morale boost? Read my match preview, for the correct score predictions and best betting tips ahead of this fixture.

Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tips

After being held to a goalless draw against Celta Vigo on MD1, Eibar relinquished their slender second-half lead, losing 2-1 away at Villarreal last weekend.

Gerard Moreno equalised, then turned creator for Paco Alcacer eight minutes later. Under pressure in a relegation battle post-lockdown, Eibar battled to safety with four wins and three draws from their final ten matches last term.

Bilbao didn't suffer such trouble and instead were five points adrift of Granada, who finished seventh - securing the last Europa League qualification berth. Propelled by a reliable Raul Garcia (15 goals, one assist) and Unai Lopez (joint team-high four assists) in midfield, their inconsistencies cost them a return to European football.

They won't want a repeat of that fate but must be more clinical. They had 60% possession, more shots (9), completed passes (364, 77% success) and hit the woodwork against Granada. Yet still, no goals to show for their efforts.

Captain Iker Muniain created two key passes, Inaki Williams threatened off the bench while Garcia was their best player. Can they make up for that disappointment here?

Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao Correct Score Predictions

After their opening weekend loss to Granada on September 12, I'm not entirely convinced by Bilbao.

They'll want to respond accordingly after that result, but face an Eibar side who have proven regularly competitive in their recent H2H meetings - with five draws in their last six matches. BTTS seems sensible.