Athletic Bilbao enjoyed mix fortunes at the start of the new campaign and having failed to win their last two fixtures, los Leones will be keen to return to the right track against Granada. Los Rojiblancos are still unbeaten this season, but that record will be put to a serious test at the new San Mames.

Champions League nerves

A fourth-place finish in Spanish La Liga and some excellent displays in the Champions League play-offs against Napoli ensured Athletic returned to Europe’s elite competition following a long absence and they certainly did not disappoint in their opening group stage fixture against Shakhtar. Los Leones did not play to their potential as the players struggled to cope with the pressure, but they produced a decent showing against a very good side. On the other hand, one win in first three league fixtures would suggest Athletic had a poor start to the La Liga campaign, but things are not as straightforward. The reality is los Leones played well in all three matches, but while they had some refereeing decisions go against them in the narrow defeat to Malaga, two late goals conceded against Barcelona at Camp Nou cannot be considered a cause for concern. Meanwhile, Athletic hammered Levante 3-0 in their only home clash in the league, and I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see another similar result when facing Granada, especially seeing as how the hosts are determined to make amends for the under-par display against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Talented youngster Ager Aketxe broke a toe on his debut and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but there are no other worries for Ernesto Valverde.

Granada still unbeaten

Had it not been for the away win over Real Valladolid on the final day of last season, Granada would now be playing Segunda football, but the team have shown some improvement this term. There have been plenty of changes at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes this summer, and while los Rojiblancos did enjoy an excellent start to the new campaign, this has a lot to do with an easy fixture list. While taking four points from matches against fellow bottom table sides Deportivo La Coruna and Elche, Granada were held to a goalless draw at home by Villarreal, which is enough to suggest their results are not nearly as impressive as they seem. This time out they will be facing top 4 contenders Athletic Bilbao on the road, so you will forgive me for being confident that their good run ends this weekend. Granada clearly lack the quality up front to test los Leones at their fortress, while the back line could find it hard to keep the likes of Aduriz, Ibai and Muniain at bay. It is also important to note that los Rojiblancos suffered a 4-0 defeat on their last visit to San Mames.

Youssef El Arabi has recovered from a muscle injury, but he could be left on the bench this weekend, with Joaquin Caparros having fully fit squad to select from.

Verdict

Athletic Bilbao will be eager to make amends for the somewhat slow start to the season and their attacking potential is likely to prove too much for Granada. Los Rojiblancos took great advantage of the favourable fixture list to pick up five points so far, but they cannot be expected to match a side like Athletic on the road.

Top pick: Athletic/Athletic   2.20 (6/5) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 1: Athletic -1.5 AH   2.25 (5/4) @ Titanbet

Alternative pick 2: Athletic to win to nil   2.25 (5/4) @ Paddy Power