The Matchday 23 clash in La Liga between Athletic and Girona will take place on February 8 at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. Athletic vs. Girona: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Athletic
The team dropped four points in their last two La Liga matches. The Basques first drew at home against Leganes (0-0) and then secured a draw away at Betis (2-2). Nevertheless, the club's unbeaten run in the league has extended to 13 matches (7 wins and 6 draws). Ernesto Valverde's men are in fourth place, but their lead over the closest chaser has shrunk to 4 points.
- Both teams scored in 6 of Athletic's last 8 La Liga games.
- The number "2" appeared in the final score of 6 of the club's last 8 league matches.
- The Basques have not trailed at halftime in 12 consecutive home matches in La Liga (8 wins and 4 draws).
Predicted lineup for Athletic (4-2-3-1)
Unai Simón – Aitor Paredes, Andoni Gorosabel, Lekue, Dani Vivian – Mikel Vesga, Mikel Haurregui – Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, Unai Gomez – Alex Berenguer.
Girona
The Catalans capitalized on home support in the last round, defeating Las Palmas 2-1 at Montilivi. Prior to this, the club lost by the same scoreline to Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano. Michel Sánchez's side continues to hold onto seventh place, with the European competition zone just one point away.
Note the loan signing of midfielder Arthur Melo from Juventus.
- The number "1" appeared in the final score of 11 of Girona's last 15 league games.
- At least three goals were scored in 8 of the Catalans' last 9 La Liga matches.
- The club has not conceded a goal in the first half of their last five La Liga matches.
Predicted lineup for Girona (4-2-3-1)
Paulo Gazzaniga – Juanpe, Miguel Gutierrez, Ladislav Krejci, Arnau Martinez – Ivan Martin, Yangel Herrera – Donny van de Beek, Viktor Tsygankov, Bryan Gil – Abel Ruiz.
Referee
José María Sánchez Martínez (Spain)
Matches – 12 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 65;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 58%.
Athletic vs. Girona: Match Prediction
Michel Sánchez's side will find it challenging to secure three points in Bilbao, as the hosts rarely lose at home in La Liga. However, I expect the visitors to find the back of the net, and the match to be high-scoring. The Basques have scored in 26 of their last 29 home games in La Liga, while also conceding in 6 of their last 9 home league matches.
Girona has not been impressive on the road but has scored in their last five La Liga matches. Meanwhile, the Catalans have conceded in 15 of their last 19 away league games. Additionally, both teams have scored in the last six head-to-head encounters in La Liga.
My prediction – Both teams to score – yes
