Ath Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-12-01 15:15.
Athletic Bilbao fought back to claim a draw with then-leaders Girona in the previous round, playing âvery wellâ according to club stalwart Iñaki Williams. That result extended Athleticâs unbeaten run to four league games and helped them hold on to a European place ahead of this round, albeit one which they could slip out of in this round should they fail to pick up the three points.
A home return is often conducive to a positive outcome as not since the opening home league game of the season have the Lions been toppled here, and that was against perennial title challengers Real Madrid (W4, D2). That solid form hasnât come without its difficulties though, with Athletic conceding at least twice in four of their six unbeaten games at Estadio San MamĂ©s and having to avoid defeat from losing positions on three occasions.
Sitting just six points behind Athletic are Rayo Vallecano, who have put in some admirable performances of late despite a four-game winless run (D3, L1), given that three of those games came against sides sitting in the top-four! Draws against both Barcelona and Real Madrid should serve to boost confidence ahead of this latest trip, which is perhaps in short supply after losing five of their last six away H2Hs.
Even so, taking to the road hasnât fazed Rayo this season, a statement evidenced by the fact that theyâve avoided defeat in more away league games as pre-match outsiders than any other La Liga outfit (W2, D3, L1). Sevilla are actually the only side to score against Rayo across their last five competitive road trips, so even breaching this backline may be a challenge for the short-priced hosts.
Players to watch: Athleticâs Gorka Guruzeta jointly leads the way in league action for his side with six goals, a total which includes goals in all four of his sideâs home league victories this season. The return of Ălvaro GarcĂa from a yellow card suspension will be a welcome boost for Rayo. He is their top scorer with four goals but none of his last three scoring games ended in victory (D2, L1).
Hot stat: Rayo boss Francisco RodrĂguez has faced no side more often as a manager than Athletic Bilbao without ever winning (D1, L7).