Deportivo Alaves Form
Deportivo Alaves have recently been showing admirable resilience. Under Quique Sanchez Flores, the team have lost only once in their last six league rounds. At home, the hosts feel particularly confident: in 16 matches at Mendizorroza they have suffered only four defeats, collecting 24 of their 36 points on their own pitch. In the previous round the home side earned a vital 2:1 victory over Mallorca, which allowed them to pull slightly away from the relegation zone.
Key numbers for Deportivo Alaves:
Deportivo Alaves have conceded in the first half in five matches in a row.
Deportivo Alaves have scored in the second half in five consecutive games.
The team have conceded in 18 matches in a row.
Probable lineup (4-4-2): Antonio Sivera — Angel Perez, Nahuel Tenaglia, Jonny Otto, Victor Parada — Carles Alenya, Antonio Blanco, Pablo Ibanez, Abde Rebbach — Toni Martinez, Lucas Boye.
Out: Carlos Protesoni (injuries), Facundo Garces (suspension), Carlos Benavides (doubtful).
Athletic Club Form
Athletic Club have been dreadful away from home of late. Under Ernesto Valverde, the team have lost 10 of their 16 La Liga away fixtures this season. In the last round the visitors suffered a 2:3 defeat to Atletico Madrid in a high-scoring game, once again exposing their defensive problems. Despite having the Williams brothers and the experienced Aymeric Laporte in the squad, the team often lose concentration on their travels, having conceded 29 of their 48 goals away from home.
Key numbers for Athletic Club:
In four of their last five away matches the team have lost the first half.
Athletic Club have conceded in nine consecutive away games.
The team have received seven red cards this season; only Real Oviedo (eight) and Rayo Vallecano (nine) have more.
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon — Andoni Gorosabel, Dani Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche — Ruiz de Galarreta, Alejandro Rego Mora — Inaki Williams, Unai Gomez, Nico Williams — Gorka Guruzeta.
Out: Benyat Prados (injury), Maroan Sannadi, Inigo Lekue, Yeray Alvarez (doubtful).
