Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

This is a big game in the race for Europa League football, with the sides currently in 5th and 6th places. The winners may even feel like they have an outside shot at catching Sevilla and picking up that crucial 4th position so we should see a fairly positive approach from both coaches but Villarreal look the side more capable of winning the game.

Their overall form is pretty good with 6 wins and 3 defeats from their last 9 matches. The reasons for those defeats can be fairly easily pinpointed in that they were without several key defensive players against Eibar last weekend and were reduced to 10 men early on against Las Palmas prior to that. They should be close to full strength here and when that’s the case they are very tough to beat. Villarreal have won 53% of their home league games this term and given their final 3 home games are all against relegation-threatened sides, that’s likely to improve.

It’s not like they only beat the weak teams at home though, with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo having already suffered heavy defeats to nil at the Estadio de la Cerámica this term. A lack of genuine firepower is still a concern but they do boast the best defensive record in La Liga with 0.77 goals per game conceded. Their midfield does chip in with plenty of goals and nobody more than Roberto Soriano, who is their top league scorer this term with 8 goals including 4 in his last 6 appearances. Given that backing Roberto Soriano to score anytime at 10/3 looks to offer great value.

As for Athletic, they are also on a good run of form with 4 wins from their last 5 games but their overall away record remains very poor and is the main reason why they aren’t in serious top four contention. Athletic have lost 57% of their away games this term, averaging just 1 point per game on their travels. A lack of away goals has been a huge issue with just 0.79 scored per game. They’ve failed to score in 43% of their away matches and that suggests they will find breaking down the league’s meanest defence a real challenge.

Therefore, the hosts certainly look the more likely victors in this match and backing Villarreal to Win at 5/4 looks to represent real value.