Relegation threatened Almeria are looking for the sixth win of the season as they play host to Athletic Bilbao, the team that are still fighting for the European places.

Following the away defeat to Sporting Gijon, Almeria currently sit four points adrift of safety and they desperately need a win to boost their survival hopes.

The players are starting to feel the pressure, as witnessed by the verbal clash between Modeste M’Bami and Pablo Piatti that happened at one of the training sessions this week, and the hosts are definitely in for a difficult task here.

Defender Hernan Pellerano is suspended after picking up a red card after the Sporting Gijon game, but Jose Luis Oltra will otherwise have fully fit squad to choose from.

Athletic Bilbao have been in impressive form this season and los Leones are still occupying one of the Europa League places, although they will have to continue with good performances if they want to qualify for Europe.

After beating Sevilla and bringing one point from Getafe, Joaquin Caparros’ side suffered a narrow home defeat to Villarreal and they are now eager to make amends against Almeria.

The visitors will be boosted by the fact that Javi Martinez, Andoni Iraola and Fernando Llorente all starred in Spain’s victory over Lithuania and it is the trio that is expected to make the difference in Almeria.

Fernando Amorebieta should start after being deemed match fit, while youngster Ibai Gomez is close to making his return from injury.

Gaizka Toquero should be fit to play after recovering from a muscle injury, while Oscar de Marcos, David Lopez and Ustaritz should also be in contention.

Sportingbet sees Bilbao as favourites here and they pay 2.40 (7/5) on home win, whereas Almeria are 3.40 (12/5) to win the game at Victor Chandler.