Ath Bilbao vs Slavia Prague Prediction: 24/10/2024

Athletic Bilbao finished fifth in La Liga last season and secured their place in the Europa League by winning the Copa del Rey. Their next goal is to qualify for the Champions League, either by winning the Europa League or by finishing in the top four of La Liga, with the latter being the more straightforward option.

In their first two Europa League matches, Bilbao held AS Roma to a 1-1 draw in Italy and then comfortably defeated Dutch side AZ Alkmaar 2-0 at home. However, their momentum was halted just before the international break with a 2-1 loss to Girona, ending a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions. They now look to bounce back with a match against Espanyol Barcelona.

Similarly, Slavia Prague remains unbeaten in the Europa League. They started with a 2-0 win against Ludogorets in Bulgaria and then drew 1-1 at home against Ajax, despite playing the last 15 minutes with 10 men. In domestic play, Slavia’s eight-match unbeaten streak was snapped in their recent loss to Jablonec. Traditionally competing with Sparta Prague for the Czech title, Slavia has pulled ahead of their rivals this season, accumulating 28 points from 10 games, leaving them six points clear at the top of the table.

For Bilbao, goalkeeper Unai Simon, still recovering from wrist surgery, won’t be available until December. Defender Yeray Alvarez is also ruled out, but key players like Sancet (4 league goals) and Nico Williams will be fit to play.

Inaki Williams (1 goal, 4 assists in La Liga, and a goal against Alkmaar) is expected to feature as well, alongside Guruzeta (2 goals, 2 assists in the league). However, several players, including Masopust (injured), Buzek, and Sevcik, are not registered for UEFA competition, and Ogbu, Fila, Schranz, and Vorlicky are all sidelined due to injuries.

On the Slavia Prague side, several important players will miss the trip to Bilbao, but key contributors like Malick Diouf (5 league goals), Tomas Chory (3 league goals), and Greek international Zafeiris (3 league goals) will be available.

 

Prediction

Athletic Bilbao has been dominant at home, winning 18 of their last 21 Europa League matches. In contrast, Slavia Prague has struggled away from home, losing six of their last eight matches in the competition. Despite these trends, a close contest is expected.

Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1 : 1 Slavia Prague