Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 06/01/2021, 16:46  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 06/01/2021 at 17:46 in LaLiga Predictions

The top three in La Liga has a nearly familiar look to it after the midweek games. Atletico Madrid top the table from Real Madrid and Barcelona, and now host ninth placed Athletic Bilbao. The home side are in a strong position to win their first La Liga title since 2014. They lead Real Madrid by two points and Barcelona by five but with two games in hand on their rivals. Their most recent game saw them win 2-1 at Alaves thanks to a 90th minute winner from Luis Suarez. Midweek saw them suffer a shock cup defeat at Cornella but fielding a much weakened line-up. They return to La Liga looking to maintain their impressive home league record. Atletico have the best home record in La Liga this season. They aren’t just scoring plenty of goals (17 in eight) but excellent in defence with only two goals conceded. The last seven home league fixtures have seen just one goal put past the Atletico defence. It’s been a situation that has been happening for a while now. Only in one of the last 25 home league games have they conceded more than one goal. That was against Sevilla last March and one of the goals was a penalty. The last six at home have all been won and 11 of the last 13.

Athletic Bilbao were in action in La Liga on Wednesday but lost 3-2 at home to Barcelona. That was despite taking a third minute lead in that game and they now have just one win in the last four. While Atletico have a great home record, Bilbao are struggling on their travels. They have just one away league victory this season with five out of nine being lost. Their only win was at Eibar who have just one home league win so far. Bilbao have drawn three of the last four on their travels. They led in three of those matches, so their season could be very different if holding on to those winning positions. With the second worst away record in La Liga, they are going to struggle in this game. Their last five away league games against Atletico have all been lost with their last win in 2011. Go for Atletico to get the home win here.