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Athletic Bilbao logo
La Liga | Gameweek 6
Sep 17, 2022 at 8pm UK
San Mamés Barria
Rayo Vallecano logo

Athletic Bilbao
3 - 2
Rayo Vallecano

Williams (14'), Sancet (28'), Williams (33')
Garcia (45')
FT(HT: 3-1)
Trejo (5'), Falcao (80')
Valentin (21'), Ciss (67')

Preview: Athletic Bilbao vs. Rayo Vallecano - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's La Liga clash between Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Athletic Bilbao will be aiming to record their fourth La Liga victory of the campaign when they welcome Rayo Vallecano to San Mames on Saturday night.

Ernesto Valverde's side are currently sixth in the table, boasting 10 points from their opening five matches, while Rayo are ninth, having picked up seven points during a solid start to the season.


Match preview

Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez pictured in April 2022© Reuters

Athletic finished eighth in Spain's top flight last season, but they were fourth in 2013-14 and fifth in 2015-16, and a European challenge this term cannot be ruled out, as there have been positive signs early in the season.

The Lions have won three, drawn one and lost one of their five matches to collect 10 points, which has left them in sixth position in the table, while they have only conceded twice in Spain's top flight this term.

Valverde's side started their campaign with a goalless draw at home to Mallorca before winning their next two against Valencia and Cadiz, scoring five times in the process and keeping two clean sheets.

Athletic then lost 1-0 at home to Espanyol on September 4 but managed to return to winning ways away to Elche last time out, recording a 4-1 victory, with Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams and Alex Berenguer on the scoresheet at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.

The Basque outfit have won five of their last seven La Liga matches with Rayo, but they suffered a 2-1 defeat to the capital outfit in the corresponding game between the two sides last term.

Rayo Vallecano coach Andoni Iraola during the match on March 3, 2022© Reuters

Rayo were 12th in La Liga last season on their return to the top flight, and they will be pleased with their start to this campaign, picking up a respectable seven points from five matches to occupy ninth spot in the table.

Los Franjirrojos started their season with a goalless draw at Barcelona before recording a 2-0 victory over Espanyol one week later to move onto four points from their opening two games.

Rayo then lost back-to-back games against Mallorca and Osasuna but managed to return to winning ways last time out, beating Valencia 2-1 at home, with Isi Palazon's early effort and an own goal from Nico Gonzalez helping the capital outfit overcome Gennaro Gattuso's team.

As mentioned, Los Vallecanos have struggled to secure wins in recent games with Athletic, but their 2-1 victory at San Mames last term should give them confidence heading into this match.

Andoni Iraola's side would view 10 points from six matches as a strong start to the campaign, but they will be taking on an Athletic outfit that have been victorious in three of their last four matches.

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:
  • D
  • W
  • W
  • L
  • W

Rayo Vallecano La Liga form:
  • D
  • W
  • L
  • L
  • W


Team News

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Ander Herrera pictured during a press conference in September 2021© Reuters

Athletic will again be without the services of Ander Herrera, Yuri Berchiche and Mikel Balenziaga for this match, while Mikel Vesga is also a doubt for the home side.

There are no concerns in terms of the starting XI from the clash with Elche, though, so it would not be a surprise to see the same group of players take to the field for the first whistle.

Nico Williams and Berenguer were both on the scoresheet last time out and should again support Inaki Williams at centre-forward, while Sancet should retain his midfield spot alongside Dani Garcia.

As for Rayo, Salvi Sanchez, Diego Lopez and Andres Martin were all missing against Valencia, and the trio are again likely to be unavailable for this weekend's contest.

Head coach Iraola has plenty of options for change, particularly in the final third of the field, with Radamel Falcao and Randy Nteka pushing for starting roles against Athletic.

However, Alvaro Garcia, Oscar Trejo and Palazon are again likely to support Sergio Camello in the final third of the field, while Santi Comesana should retain his position in the middle of the park.

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, I Martinez, Lekue; Sancet, D Garcia; N Williams, Muniain, Berenguer; I Williams

Rayo Vallecano possible starting lineup:
Dimitrievski; Balliu, Lejeune, Catena, F Garcia; Comesana, Valentin; Palazon, Trejo, A Garcia; Camello


SM words green background

We say: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Rayo Vallecano

Rayo deserve credit for their start to the season, and they have already put in strong away performances at Barcelona and Espanyol this term. Athletic are generally strong in front of their own fans, though, and we are expecting the Basque outfit to put another three points on the board here.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:curl


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Game History

How you voted: Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano

Athletic Bilbao
83.3%
Draw
12.1%
Rayo Vallecano
4.5%
66
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Nico Williams in action for Athletic Bilbao in August 2021
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Tables header RHS
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3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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