Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 16/12/2023, 01:42  by Sridhar in LaLiga Predictions

Atletico Madrid face a tricky visit to Athletic Bilbao as the teams look to improve their fortunes in La Liga top-five. This matchday 17 fixture will be played at San Mames on Saturday. The hosts are 5th in the standings with 29 points and the visitors are 3rd with 34 points with a game in hand. Athletic are level on points with the sixth-placed Real Sociedad and are five points behind top-four teams. The hosts drew 1-1 with Granada in their last league match which extended their unbeaten run to six matches. This sequence saw them win and draw three games each. It is their strike force that has helped them stay in the top-four race with 31 goals, which is the fourth-best record ahead of this round. Athletic are unbeaten across their last seven home league games, winning five and drawing two, giving them a great chance to continue that record here.

Atletico have a game in hand and are looking to stay in the top-three race, looking to continue their recent run. They have won six of their last seven matches in all competitions, losing just once. Despite such improved form, they remain vulnerable on the road with their recent form looking dicey. They have remained winless in three of their last four away matches in all competitions, losing two and drawing one. Both those losses have come in the league, away at Las Palmas and Barcelona. That could perhaps put additional pressure on Atletico to improve on the road, as they look to improve their fortunes in the title race.