Athletic Bilbao look to extend their 100% winning start to the season when they host Alavés in the first Basque derby of 2025/26.
Match News and Current Form
Athletic Bilbao have begun this La Liga season with three victories in a row, something they last achieved in 2009/10, but never before have they managed four in a row at the start of a top-flight campaign. Including the back end of last season, the Lions have won seven of their last nine (D1, L1) in the league so should be full of confidence as they target an unprecedented eighth consecutive Basque derby victory at home. Although he won’t be in dugout here as he serves the first of a four-match touchline ban, Ernesto Valverde-managed sides have won 73% of their 11 La Liga meetings with Alavés (W8, D2, L1), so his absence may not be too keenly felt here.
After finishing two points above the relegation zone last season, Alavés wasted no time in recording their first victory of this campaign with a 2-1 home win over Levante in the opening round. They have since drawn at home with Atlético Madrid and lost away at Real Betis, a result which means they will arrive in Bilbao with only three La Liga wins on the road from September 2024 onwards (D6, L9). A local derby offers little hope of a change in fortunes either, with Alavés winning just one of their last nine Basque derbies in La Liga (D2, L6).
Head-to-Head History
Athletic have won four of the last six H2Hs in La Liga (D2), with Alavés failing to score in their last five away league H2Hs.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of Athletic Bilbao’s last seven league victories have been achieved by a one-goal margin.
Athletic Bilbao have conceded before half-time in only two of their last 19 La Liga fixtures.
Four of Alavés’ last five La Liga away games were settled by a 1-0 scoreline (W2, D1, L2).
Twelve of Alavés' last 13 league fixtures saw under 2.5 goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Goalkeeper Unai Simon has kept clean sheets in three of his last four matches for club and country and has made fewer than three saves in six of his last seven La Liga appearances. Carles Aleñá is one of only four Alavés players to have contributed to a goal this season (A1), although he is yet to experience a win over Athletic Bilbao after 12 attempts (D7, L5).
Athletic’s star man Nico Williams limped off for Spain in the international break. Alavés appear close to full strength, with summer recruit Lucas Boyé, who they spent the lion’s share of their summer transfer budget on, in line to make his debut for the club here after returning to training.
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Betting Analysis
With recent Alavés away games typically producing very few goals, we recommend backing under 1.5 goals in this match.
Author: Tom Penn