Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid preview

April 8, 2011
By: Frank Beresford

Everything suggests we will see an enthralling encounter at San Mames, with both Athletic and Real looking for a victory.

Having climbed to fifth place in La Liga standings after the impressive away victory over Almeria, los Leones are hoping to keep their European hopes alive by recording another home win.

Athletic have yet to record a draw at home this season, having won 10 and lost 5 games at San Mames, so maybe this is the right time to bet on draw, at odds of 4.00 (3/1) offered by Victor Chandler.

Joaquin Caparros is expected to make small changes to the starting line-up, with Igor Gabilondo and David Lopez coming in for Carlos Gurpegui and Iker Muniain.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Iraizoz – Iraola, San Jose, Borja Ekiza, Castillo –Lopez, Martinez, Orbaiz, Gabilondo – Llorente, Toquero.

Real Madrid enter the game on a high after trashing Tottenham in the Champions League quarter-final, but los Merengues are aware that the league title remains just a dream.

The shock home defeat to Sporting Gijon saw Barca increase their lead at the top to eight points and Real cannot really hope to close that gap before the season ends.

Jose Mourinho is expected to rest his star players Ronaldo, Marcelo and Di Maria at San Mames, especially as several important players are back after injuries.

Kaka, Benzema and Higuain should all play some part against Athletic in an attempt to build their match fitness, while Arbeloa and Granero could also start.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casillas – Ramos, Albiol, Carvalho, Arbeloa – Diarra, Khedira – Kaka, Granero, Canales – Higuain.

Real Madrid are 1.80 (4/5) to win the game at Victor Chandler, but with los Merengues set to rest their star players and the hosts much more motivated to win the game, I see a real value in backing Athletic not to lose at 2.05 (21/20) offered by William Hill.

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