Match Overview
Athletic Bilbao will host Deportivo Alavés at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao on May 12, with kickoff scheduled for 1:30 AM KST. This La Liga clash presents an opportunity for Athletic Club to strengthen their position in the top half of the table, while Alavés seeks to stabilize after a series of inconsistent performances. Playing at home, Bilbao will look to capitalize on their familiar surroundings and stronger form compared to their Basque rivals.
Team Key Players
Athletic Bilbao
- Unai Simón – The goalkeeper remains a steady presence between the posts, capable of game-saving stops.
- Iñaki Williams – Despite a current muscle injury, he remains a key attacker and could be influential if available.
- Unai Gómez – A creative spark in midfield with the ability to dictate the pace and break defensive lines.
- Dani Vivian – Solid central defender who anchors the backline with composure and aerial strength.
- Gorka Guruzeta – The striker holds the frontline well and has proven finishing ability inside the box.
Deportivo Alavés
- Antonio Sivera – A reliable shot-stopper who plays a crucial role in keeping Alavés in tight matches.
- Carlos Vicente – Provides width and speed on the right wing, frequently creating danger from wide areas.
- Jon Guridi – Central to Alavés’s build-up play, linking midfield to attack with intelligent positioning.
- C. Aleñá – Technically skilled and creative, he is a threat with both passing vision and shooting.
- Kike García – A physical striker who battles defenders and holds up play effectively.
Game Prediction
Athletic Bilbao enters this matchup with the edge, given their better goal difference, home advantage at Estadio San Mamés, and a more cohesive lineup. Alavés, while capable of defensive resilience, may struggle to contain Bilbao’s forward momentum, especially without key players like Abqar and possibly Guevara. If Bilbao can control midfield tempo and finish chances effectively, they are likely to come out on top.
