La Liga preview and odds: Athletic Bilbao vs. Sporting Gijon

Published on: 24/10/2015

La Liga preview and odds: Athletic Bilbao vs. Sporting Gijon

October 26, 2015 20:30pm - San Mames

La Liga

The final La Liga match of game week nine will take place in Bilbao on Monday night as Athletic Club take on Sporting Gijon at San Mames.

Below-par start for Athletic Club

With eight games played, Ernesto Valverdes team find themselves in an uncomfortable position just two points above the drop zone and eight points adrift of the top four. However, the Basque Country side are no stranger to slow starts and always seem to find a way of turning their fortunes around. Ongoing injury problems have done little to help the cause of the Basque Country team.

Los Leones showed exactly what they are capable of during the midweek Europa League Game win away to Partizan Belgrade. The 2-0 victory was one of their best performances of the season so far and they will be hoping to carry that form into this weekend´s game against Sporting.

Sporting holding their own in La Liga

Sporting Gijon have had a great start to the season considering their status as league newcomers, and it is away from home that they have been particularly impressive. Los Rojiblancos have won twice, drawn twice and lost just once on the road this season. Both of those away wins came against opposition teams currently residing in the top-ten (Deportivo La Coruna and Espanyol). Only five teams have secured more points away from home than the Asturians this season.

In their last game they fought back from 3-1 down to earn a draw at home to bottom club Granada. Team news

Ander Iturraspe, Mikel Rico and Iker Muniain are likely to remain on the side-lines for the home side while Aymeric Laporte, Mikel Balenziaga and Markel Susaeta are also doubtful for the clash with Gijon.

Carlos Castro has been suffering from dizzy spells and will join Sanabria on the list of Sporting Gijon absentees. With their striking option reduced, Sporting could call upon B team front man Mendi to add support.

Recent form (League)

Athletic Bilbao: DWDLL

Sporting Gijon: DWLLW

Betting odds and tips

Both teams have scored in the last five games involving Sporting Gijon and in five of the last six involving Athletic Club. You can back Both Teams to Score in this game at 11/10 with Betfred.

This game is also a strong contender in the Over 2.5 goals market with 75% of Athletics home games and 75% of Sportings away games having produced this result. You can back this outcome at 13/12 with Marathon Bet.

Published on: 24/10/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (24/10/2015 14:00:30) but are subject to change.