Leganes vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Leganes have had to contend with an awful number of injuries in what was always going to be a tough first season at this level so they deserve great credit for coming into the New Year 4 points clear of the relegation zone. With a few players now back, they have enough about them to suggest they can get a result here.

While they have only won 1 of their last 12 games in all competitions, they’ve been finding a way to grind out results, which has continued to keep their heads above water. January will offer them the chance to bring in some fresh blood on loan and with some of their absentees nearing a return, they will feel they have every chance of beating the drop. Even with players missing, they’ve managed to secure draws in 3 of their last 4 league games and that includes a 1-1 home draw against a strong Villarreal side.

All of those 3 draws were against top half opposition so they have no reason to fear Athletic Bilbao here. The home side’s chances are boosted by them not having played in the Copa del Rey in midweek so they should be the fresher of the two sides. Athletic meanwhile named close to their strongest available side for their tough trip to Barcelona late on Wednesday night and with this game kicking off at lunch-time on Saturday, they’ll have precious time to lick their wounds from that late defeat and get ready for this one.

One man who did get a rest, for 45 minutes at least in midweek, was striker Aritz Aduriz. He has again been Athletic’s main goal threat and you can back Aduriz to score anytime at 6/5 here, which might be a decent punt with the forward on 13 goals for the season in all competitions.

Their recent away form doesn’t make for good reading. They’ve taken just 1 point from their last 5 away games in La Liga and average just 0.88 points per game on their travels this term. That’s nowhere near good enough for a side with top four ambitions. Leganes aren’t simply a team you can expect to walk all over and they are capable of emulating some of the other bottom half teams who’ve taken points off Athletic here.

Therefore, backing Double Chance – Leganes or Draw at 4/6 looks like a solid bet.