After securing their passage into the Europa League semi-finals, Athletic Bilbao turn towards their domestic campaign to try and return into contention for European places. Sevilla boosted their Champions League hopes with the run of three straight victories and are now hoping to make it four in a row.

Athletic played 52 games already

This is turning out to be one of the most successful seasons in club’s recent history, even if team’s La Liga showings have been far from impressive of late. Determined to lead los Leones to at least one major trophy, Marcelo Bielsa decided to fully focus on Copa del Rey and Europa League campaigns, and that has produced excellent results. Athletic are set to face Barcelona in Copa del Rey final, whereas they battle Sporting Lisbon for a place in Europa League final, and at least one trophy looks on the cards. As we have already mentioned, team’s La Liga campaign is suffering and having played a game every three or four days from the very start to the season, it is really amazing to see Athletic still going strong in most of the competitions. After qualifying for the Europa League semis, los Leones turn to the clash against Sevilla and while Marcelo Bielsa is set to rest several star players he will demand a victory from his side. That may be easier said than done now that Sevilla are in amazing form, but Athletic will try, nonetheless.

Ander Iturraspe returns from European suspension, but Fernando Llorente and Ander Herrera could be rested.

Sevilla back in business

Sevilla may have been underperforming this season, but los Rojiblancos managed to rediscover their form at a crucial stage of the season and are now back in the race for European places. While his predecessors largely struggled to find the best starting 11, Michel appears to have excelled in that department, with the attacking four of Reyes, Navas, Manu and Negredo the main reason behind team’s latest uptrend in fortunes. After losing to Sporting Gijon and Barcelona, Sevilla showed a lot of improvement to win next three games in La Liga, scoring exactly three goals in every one of those. The team are now brimming with confidence and arrive to San Mames looking for a win that would put extra pressure on their top 4 rivals. Unlike their opponents, Sevilla players had full week to prepare for this clash and that should give them the upper hand in this tie.

Piotr Trochowski and Coke miss out through suspension, whereas Gary Medel is a major injury doubt. Jose Campagna and Tiberio Guarente remain sidelined.

Verdict

Athletic Bilbao desperately need a win in order to keep their European hopes alive, whereas Sevilla are also looking for a victory after winning their last three league games. With both sides firing on all cylinders at the moment, we could see goals galore at San Mames.

Our prediction: Over 2.5 goals

Odds: 1.95 (19/20)

Bookmaker: Stan James