Cadiz CF vs Ath Bilbao prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2022-08-28 18:00.
After taking their survival battle to the final day last season, CĂĄdizâs start to 2022/23 suggests that they could be heading for a similarly testing campaign after opening with consecutive defeats âto nilâ. Head coach Sergio GonzĂĄlez lamented TomĂĄs AlarcĂłnâs red card in their 2-0 defeat at Osasuna last time out, which comes at a bad time as CĂĄdiz desperately try to reinforce their attack before the window imminently slams shut.
This is the first time since 1989 that CĂĄdiz have begun with consecutive losses âto nilâ, but they did win the third game 2-0 in that season as they went on to survive by a narrow two-point margin! They may need more than two goals to bounce back this time though after conceding seven goals in two home H2Hs since their most recent promotion.
In stark contrast to their opponents, Athletic Bilbao are yet to concede a goal this season, the first time theyâve opened with two clean sheets since beginning the 2017/18 campaign with three shutouts in a row. However the shrewd nature of Athleticâs defence could be holding back their attack as they have just one goal to thank for their solid four-point haul at this stage (W1, D1).
The speculation around key Athletic defender Iñigo MartĂnez could disrupt their solidity if proven true, yet boss Ernesto Valverde is hopeful to end the window with his backline intact. Playing away shouldnât faze Athletic too much after beginning the last La Liga season with three consecutive away shutouts (W1, D2), yet they didnât win any of the previous four away league season openers (D3, L1).
Players to watch: CĂĄdiz have not scored in 194 minutes of play since Choco Lozanoâs season-saving strike last term, and he has scored in their only two wins since April. As for Athletic, the ever-present Iñaki Williams made three goal contributions across his two personal visits to Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla (G1, A2).
Hot stat: Athletic are unbeaten in 14 of their last 15 matches played on a Monday (W10, D4), all four of the draws during that time finished goalless.