Ath Bilbao vs Elfsborg Prediction: 28/11/2024

Athletic Bilbao has made a significant impact in the Europa League, amassing 10 points from their first four matches and establishing themselves as one of the leading teams in the competition. Their campaign began with a 1-1 draw against AS Roma, followed by three consecutive victories: 2-0 over AZ Alkmaar, 1-0 against Slavia Prague, and 2-1 over Ludogorets, placing them near the top of their group. In La Liga, Bilbao is performing well, currently in 6th place, and preparing for an upcoming derby against Real Sociedad. However, they are currently on a streak of three consecutive draws.

In contrast, Elfsborg has had a mixed Europa League campaign. They started with a challenging 3-2 loss to AZ Alkmaar, then secured a 1-0 win over AS Roma but were narrowly defeated 4-3 by Galatasaray. Their most recent match ended in a 1-1 draw with Sporting Braga, leaving them in 24th place, which is the final qualification spot for the play-offs. With their domestic season concluding earlier this month with a 7th-place finish, Elfsborg can now focus entirely on their Europa League fixtures.

For the upcoming match, Bilbao will be without several key players. Injury-prone playmaker Sancet, who has scored 4 goals in 10 appearances, and starting goalkeeper Simon, recovering from wrist surgery, are both unavailable. However, Alex Berenguer, who has contributed 2 goals and 4 assists in La Liga, is expected to play. The team will also rely on Guruzeta (3 goals, 2 assists) and the Williams brothers—Inaki, who has 3 goals and 4 assists in La Liga and 2 goals in the Europa League, and Nico, the skillful winger.

Elfsborg will miss long-term injury absentee striker Per Frick. Their squad includes full-back Larsson, formerly of Guingamp, and ex-Rémois Zeneli, who has scored 5 goals in the league. Key players include Ghanaian forward Baidoo, with 10 goals this season, alongside Hedlund (7 goals) and Qasem (5 goals), who will also be crucial in the attack.

 

Prediction

Historically, Elfsborg has struggled in away games, securing points in only 3 out of 20 matches. In contrast, Athletic Bilbao has been dominant at home, winning 15 of their last 20 matches at this level. Given the difference in form, Bilbao is favored to win this encounter.

Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1 – 1 Elfsborg.