Ath Bilbao vs Slavia Prague Prediction & Betting Tips (24 October)

5th in the last season in La Liga, Athletic Bilbao earned its place in this Europe League by also winning the Copa del Rey. The next step for Basque training? Qualifying for the Champions League through a coronation in C3 or even a place in the top 4 in the championship, which remains the most accessible option a priori. During the first two days, the residents of San Mamés came up against the wall of AS Roma in Italy 1-1 before winning in style against the Dutch of Alkmaar 2-0. Riding a dynamic of 6 games without defeat in all competitions, Bilbao spoiled everything for Girona just before the break by losing in Catalonia 2-1. In order to relaunch itself, Athletic Club welcomed the Catalan promotion, Espanyol Barcelona last Saturday to follow.

Like Athletic Bilbao, Slavia Prague is still undefeated in this competition with a success obtained in Bulgaria against Ludogorets 0-2 and a parity score at home for the reception of Ajax 1-1 which ended the last 15 minutes at 10. Last weekend, in the championship, Slavia ended its series of 8 matches without defeat in all competitions at stake on the Jablonec pitch to follow. Usually stuck with Sparta in the title race, the 7 times champion of the Czech Republic has this time already distanced itself with 6 lengths ahead of its rival and above all a mind-blowing total of 28 points in 10 days.

Still in rehabilitation after his wrist operation, the starting goalkeeper and European champion with La Roja Unai Simon will not return to the cages before December. Injured, Yeray Alvarez will be unavailable for this meeting but the very good Sancet (4 goals in the league) and the excellent Nico Williams will be available. Williams' big brother, Inaki (1 goal, 4 assists in La Liga and scorer against Alkmaar) will also be present, as will Guruzeta (2 pawns, 2 assists in the league).  Not registered with the UEFA lists to play the competition, Masopust (injured as a bonus), Buzek (Czech U20 international), and midfielder Sevcik will logically be excluded from the match sheet while the crucial Ogbu, Fila (1 goal in 3 appearances in the league), Schranz and replacement midfielder Vorlicky (1 assist in the league this season) are injured.

They will miss this trip to the Basque Country. The Senegalese international Malick Diouf (5 goals in the league) will be operational like Tomas Chory (3 goals in the elite) or the Greek international Zafeiris (3 goals in the league).