Athletic Bilbao vs Malaga Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Both these sides have had fairly uninspiring seasons in truth but the one thing that has been consistent is Athletic’s strong home record. They ought to have too much for a badly out of form Malaga side here.

Marcelo Romero has only been in charge of the Andalusian side for a little over two months but he is already under real pressure. He has lost 6 of his 9 league games, winning just once and Malaga have fallen down into 15th place as a result. If this run goes on for much longer, they could yet be dragged into the relegation scrap. Away from home they are very poor and have taken just 0.46 points per game on their travels this season. They haven’t won away in La Liga since last March and it’s hard to see that record changing here.

Athletic have won an impressive 69% of their home league games but have lost far too many away games. As a result they face a real battle to secure Europa League football for next term. They are actually the league’s lowest scorers away from home but they’ve had little trouble finding the net at San Mames. They average 1.85 goals per game at home and have scored twice or more in 10 of their last 11 home matches in all competitions.

With Aduriz set to miss out again, they’ll be looking to the likes of Inaki Williams and Raul Garcia for goals. Williams should play as the most advanced striker rather than out wide as a result and should cause this Malaga defence problems with his pace. Therefore, backing Inaki Williams to score anytime at 7/4 could be worth a bet.

Despite their strong home record, Athletic have struggled to keep clean sheets. Both teams have scored in a huge 77% of their home league games. All of their last four home games in all competitions have seen Athletic win but not to nil and given that backing Athletic to Win & Both Teams to Score at 11/4 looks to offer real value here.