Athletic Bilbao vs Elche Predictions

• Athletic Bilbao have won three of their last four games with both teams scoring in each win
• Elche have lost three of their last four games with both teams scoring in each defeat
• Athletic Bilbao have not kept a clean sheet in La Liga since December 6th

Inconsistent Athletic back on Euro trail

Athletic Bilbao can steal a march on their rivals for a European place when they host struggling Elche at San Mames Stadium on Friday. Ernesto Valverde’s side have strung some positive results together of late to re-enter the top-six conversation, although they remain well off the pace being set by the top four.

The Basque outfit secured back-to-back La Liga wins over the bottom two either side of a Copa del Rey defeat at home to Real Sociedad, but inconsistency remains an issue. Nico Williams is still being dogged by fitness problems while key defenders like Aymeric Laporte and Vivian remain out for some time.

Real Oviedo’s solitary goal at the Carlos Tartiere stadium on Sunday, following Ilyas Chaira’s unopposed run towards Unai Simon’s goal, extends Athletic Bilbao’s clean sheet drought to over two months. The last time they shut out any opponent in the league was December 6th in a 1-0 victory against Atlético Madrid at San Mames.

Elche can score at San Mames

Valverde’s team also drew 0-0 at home to Paris Saint-Germain four days later thanks to five crucial saves from Simon. In the other matches, with some goals conceded in the most improbable ways, the defence has been overwhelmed, despite finishing last season as the most solid in the league.

Elche are capable of continuing that trend by getting a goal on Friday. Los Franjiverdes have scored in nine of their last 10 La Liga games, including their last four on the road.

Back Athletic Bilbao to scrape a 2-1 win in this clash with a home win and both teams to score recommended as the best bet.