Europa League preview and odds: Athletic Club vs Valencia

Published on: 07/03/2016

Europa League preview and odds: Athletic Club vs Valencia

March 10, 2016 21:05pm - San Mames

Europa League

In the only all-Spanish tie of the Europa League last 16, 2012 runners-up Athletic Club will take on 2004 champions Valencia at San Mames in the first instalment of this two-legged tie.

Athletic Club looking for first European triumph

Athletic club have twice made it to the final of Europe`s second-tier competition but have yet to win the trophy. This season, they must overcome Spanish rivals Valencia if they are to remain on course for a third ever final appearance.

The Basque Country side were beaten just once in the Group Stages (away to AZ), having won four and drawn the other one. In the last round, they edged past French side Olympique Marseilles by a 2-1 aggregate score-line.

This season, they have been dominant on home soil with just Real Madrid, Barcelona and Basque rivals Real Sociedad having secured victories at San Mames. They come into this game on the back of a 4-1 win at home to Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga.

Valencia hoping for Euro relief

With little left to play for in their domestic campaign, Valencia can now turn their attention to the European stage. Gary Neville`s team made it to the last 16 thanks to a 10-0 aggregate win over Rapid Vienna, and will now look to gain an edge over their Spanish rivals in this Round of 16 first leg match.

Los Che are coming into this game on the back of a 1-3 home defeat to Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Away from home, they have now won three in a row, including the Europa League win in Vienna, and La Liga victories in Malaga and Granada.

Team news

The home side are still without Inaki Williams and Ibai.

Meanwhile, the visitors will have to make do without Zakaria Bakkali.

Recent form (All competitions)

Athletic Club: WWWDL

Valencia: LWLWW

Betting odds and tips

Athletic striker Aritz Aduriz already has seven goals in this competition. He can be backed at Evens to score anytime with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 07/03/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (07/03/2016 17:16:45) but are subject to change.