Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction & Betting Tips - Copa del Rey

Prediction published on 24/01/2023, 06:07  by Ioannis | Modified on 24/01/2023 at 07:16 in Football Predictions

Valencia and Athletic Bilbao will face off in the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey at the Mestalla on Thursday night. Valencia comes into the match following an entertaining 2-2 draw against Almeria in their last league game, leaving them twelfth in the league table. Despite their struggles in the league, Gattuso’s side managed to reach this stage of the competition by beating La Nucia and Sporting Gijon. However, they have been poor on home turf lately, with five defeats in their last eight home games. They have also had a poor record in their recent home meetings with Athletic Bilbao, with just one win in their last four at the Mestalla. Two of their last three meetings have also seen both teams score. One of the key issues for the Bats has been their defence, as they have conceded in eleven of their last fourteen games across all competitions and will need to shore up their backline in order to progress to the semifinals. 

Athletic Bilbao's most recent match was a 2-0 loss against Real Madrid. Currently sitting in eighth place in the league, they will be looking to find solace in the cup as a top four finish in the league is looking increasingly unlikely. They have been impressive away from home, with five wins and a draw in their last seven outings, and have scored in six of those games. They have beaten Alzira, Sestao, Eldense, and Espanyol to reach this stage of the competition. The Basque outfit has a strong tradition in this competition and they will not be an easy team to beat. They will be looking to take advantage of Valencia's poor home form and take the game at least to a draw.