Ludogorets vs Ath Bilbao prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-11-06 17:45.
[p]Having not yet scored in the all-new league phase of the UEFA Europa League (UEL), Ludogorets Razgrad already face an uphill battle to avoid finishing in the bottom 12 places in the table, as they sit fourth from bottom in the standings ahead of the upcoming round of fixtures (D1, L2). [/p]
[p]And given that the Bulgarian outfit have won just two of their last 27 main-draw matches in the competition (D6, L19), the chances of them progressing to the last 16 seem pretty slim as they prepare for their next fixture against Athletic Bilbao. Ludogorets certainly won’t be looking at their record against Spanish clubs for inspiration, having lost all eight such meetings, although tasting victory in each of their last three domestic games without conceding, and scoring 12 times in the process should ensure they won’t roll over for this one.  [/p]
[p]In contrast to Ludogorets’ European struggles, Athletic occupy one of the eight automatic qualification spots for the UEL knockout phase after three matches (W2, D1), having only conceded one goal in the competition so far this season. The Basque side travel to Huvepharma Arena following two frustrating La Liga draws though, so will be looking to avoid a three-game winless run for the first time since April! [/p]
[p]Despite reaching the final in 2012, Athletic have struggled for goals in recent UEL matches, failing to net more than once in five of their last six such encounters (W2, D1, L3). They are a tough obstacle to overcome away from home however, having only been beaten once in their last eight games on the road in the competition, including qualifiers (W3, D4).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: After beginning life at Ludogorets by mainly coming off the bench, winger Erick Marcus has made back-to-back starts in the last two matches, scoring three goals in those games to extend his unbeaten streak when finding the net during his senior career (now W4, D1). Veteran Athletic right-back and captain Óscar de Marcos could be looking to get some joy up the opposite flank, having registered two assists across his last four appearances. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Athletic haven’t conceded before the half-hour mark in seven of their last eight UEL matches. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Alex Bowmer[/i][/p]