Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe Predictions

• Athletic won 12 of their 19 home games last season
• Getafe trailed at the break in nine of their away trips
• The visitors have lost key members of last season’s side without replacing them
• Inaki Williams has scored five goals across the last four meetings between these two

Athletic can control season opener

It’s fitting that the new La Liga campaign opens with the focus on one of the heroes of Spain’s Euro 2024 success. Nico Williams has decided to stick around at Athletic Bilbao, aiming to lead them to glory in the Europa League and push them on from last season’s fifth-place finish.

Athletic have been handed a kind opener, taking on a Getafe side who are struggling. They lost key contributors from last season’s 12th place finish, with loanees Mason Greenwood and Ilaix Moriba departing. Nemanja Maksimovic left on a free, while financial issues have prevented Getafe from strengthening. They’ve spent around £5million this summer and their issues have left them as third-favourites for the drop.

Getafe already had issues on the road last term, losing seven of 11 visits to sides above them. They trailed at the break in nine of 19 away games and this weaker side returns looking like they could be blown away by an improving Athletic side.

The hosts won 12 of 19 home games and they led at the break on 10 occasions. With 65% of their home goals last term coming in the first-half, back them to lead at the end of each half against a blunt and weakened Getafe outfit.

While Nico has plenty of plaudits and a long list of suitors, his older brother Inaki is one to focus on here. He scored 12 times in the league last term and his return of five goals in four meetings with Getafe makes him a great anytime goalscorer pick.