Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao – 2/12

An eager Valencia will be awaiting a visiting Athletic Bilbao, with a defeat last week in the premiere league and a goal less Champions League draw at home in their mind, Valencia will be waiting to pound on Bilbao and gain the lost touch and form before their away Champions League encounter. Morientes, Villa and company would be eager to make a statement and will be looking to repeat the treatment they handed to leaders Real Madrid. The last week has been highly disappointing for the side with the exit form the Champions League being a huge setback; Valencia would be even more menacing.

 

Valencia have been highly vulnerable this season and this probably is the reason that most of their matches have been result oriented and there are a very few draws, in fact in the last 10 matches they have not played a draw. This would also throw the caution in the air for the home side as over aggression and too much of attacking against Athletic Bilbao can be dangerous and Valencia surely are not looking for another miserable week.

 

On the other hand Athletic this season has been a tale of two extremes, they have just two players who have been consistently saving or winning matches for the side. It either has been the will and grit of Gorka at the post or the magic of Aduriz in the front. The midfield and defense need to be stronger and coordinated. Valencia will have the crown behind them and this will be a huge booster, Athletic have been a struggling side this season and their struggle is far from over. Even a point here at Valencia would mean a victory for the otherwise struggling Athletic side but looking at the hunger of Valencia the point also looks far from achievable.

 

Prediction: 3-1, Valencia win