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

Athletic Bilbao go up against Cadiz in La Liga on Thursday evening looking to build on their narrow triumph over Eibar at the weekend.

Although the visitors only sit behind Bilbao on goal difference, the top-flight minnows have played a game more than their hosts.

Match preview

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Having spent three seasons outside of the top seven, everyone associated with Bilbao are eager to return to their former glories, where they were challenging for the top four and competing in either of the European competitions.

With club legend Aritz Aduriz hanging up his boots, there is a noticeable void in the dressing room, but Gaizka Garitano will hope that he is given the time to move this side forward.

Losing out to potential rivals Granada on matchday one would not have helped his cause, but Unai Lopez 's late winner at Eibar has provided Garitano with something to work with heading into the next contest.

On paper, Bilbao are the clear favourites to win each of their next four fixtures, and getting 12 points on their board from five matches would put a different spin on matters ahead of a sustained period of tougher encounters heading into the turn of the year.

From Cadiz's perspective, they are determined to make the most of their return to La Liga, just four years after they were down in the third tier of Spanish football.

Alvaro Cervera and his side are aware that they face an uphill task to avoid relegation from the top flight, something which they have not achieved since 1991-92.

Despite suffering defeats at home to Osasuna and Sevilla, El Submarino Amarillo will be content with their start to the campaign courtesy of the potentially-pivotal win at Huesca.

With Granada, Real Madrid and Villarreal to follow in succession, achieving three points from that game was imperative, and it should ease the pressure ahead of attempting to make it back-to-back wins on the road.

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form: LW

Cadiz La Liga form: LWL

Team News

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Barring any late fitness issues, Garitano could retain the same starting XI for this contest.

Unai Nunez and Inaki Williams, key players in the side, will feature in defence and midfield respectively, but Ibai Gomez and Yeray Alvarez remain on the sidelines.

Cadiz boss Cervera may also consider sticking with the same set of players after their showing against Sevilla.

However, Alvaro Negredo, now 35 years of age, faces competition from Anthony Lozano for his place in the team.

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:

Simon; Capa, Nunez, Martinez, Yuri; D.Garcia, Lopez; Williams, Muniain, Morcillo; R.Garcia

Cadiz possible starting lineup:

Cifuentes; Iza, Mauro, Cala, Espino; Mari, Jonsson; Sanchez, Fernandez, Pombo; Negredo

We say: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Cadiz

Despite the contrasting sizes of the two clubs, we expect this to be a tight contest. However, while Cadiz could push their more illustrious opponents all the way, we feel that Garitano's side will ultimately prevail on Thursday night.

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