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

Meanwhile, the home side are playing a second home game in succession after being held to a goalless draw by Real Mallorca.

Match preview

With Ernesto Valverde back in the dugout, everyone associated with Athletic Bilbao have high hopes for another solid campaign in La Liga.

However, Valverde was left frustrated in their opening fixture as Mallorca held his side to a 0-0 draw at San Mames.

Although positives will be taken from getting a point on the board, Athletic had been expected to take advantage of home territory, and there is now a bit of pressure ahead of welcoming Valencia.

That said, Athletic may benefit from facing opponents who are expected to show more ambition, with Mallorca having operated with a 5-4-1 system.

As for Valencia, Gennaro Gattuso went with a 4-3-3 against Girona, even if he was ultimately reliant on a goal from the penalty spot just after half time.

While Gattuso would have been slightly frustrated with only prevailing through that method, getting maximum points on the board was most important as he looks to keep his new club in the top half of the table.

Even though star man Goncalo Guedes has been sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Gattuso can have few complaints with the club's business in the transfer market.

Securing the services of Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez on a season-long loan deal is a huge coup for the club, and the youngster is eventually expected to become a mainstay in the starting lineup.

Although that may not occur at the weekend, Valencia are on their way to replacing the quality lost from last season's squad, and another triumph on Sunday may encourage other talent to make the switch to the Mestalla before the end of the summer transfer window.

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:

Valencia La Liga form:

Team News

Athletic are again expected to be without defender Inigo Martinez who is currently suffering with knee issues.

Chances could be few and far between with Oier Zarraga seemingly most likely to earn an opportunity in central midfield.

Meanwhile, Valencia will have to make do without Eray Comert after his dismissal in the second half of the win over Girona.

Teenage centre-back Cristhian Mosquera could be drafted into the middle of the backline, but Jose Gaya remains absent through suspension.

Gonzalez and Maxi Gomez are expected to remain among the replacements.

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:

Simon; Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Zarraga, Vesga, Muniain; Williams, Villalibre, Berenguer

Valencia possible starting lineup:

Mamardashvili; Correia, Mosquera, Diakhaby, Vazquez; Musah, Guillamon, Soler; Castillejo, Duro, Lino

We say: Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Valencia

While Athletic will fancy their chances of getting back on track at the weekend, we cannot dismiss Valencia who feel rejuvenated under Gattuso. With that in mind, the visitors could edge this contest by the odd goal in three, keeping the momentum at the Mestalla going for another week.

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