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

However, the hosts could also drop out of the Champions League qualification spots, as fifth-placed Real Betis sit three points behind but with equal goal difference, while Bilbao must win to leapfrog Villarreal into the final European position.

Match preview

Julen Lopetegui's side come into this fixture on a five-game unbeaten run, but they have lost eight available points in their last four games, after consecutive draws since the end of April.

An important clash between third and fourth took place last Sunday, when Sevilla travelled to the Wanda Metropolitano and earned a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid, after Youssef En-Nesyri netted an 85th-minute equaliser for the visitors.

The Sevillistas Rojiblancos could finish this campaign with the best defensive record if they keep a clean sheet this weekend, having conceded just 30 goals in 37 matches, a significant factor contributing to their league position.

Sevilla will be confident about avoiding defeat on Sunday, as they have only lost once in the league on their own patch this year, which came in a tight affair against league leaders Real Madrid last month.

The hosts are expected to dominate possession against Bilbao, having averaged nearly 60% possession in each La Liga outing this season, but they will have to be wary of counter-attacks from the visitors.

Bilbao will be motivated for this final match as they have an incentive to climb above Villarreal into seventh spot, which will give Marcelino Garcia's side the opportunity to play in the Europa Conference League next year.

Last time out, goals from Alex Berenguer and Asier Villalibre sealed a 2-0 win against Osasuna, and the hosts would have felt that they could have added to their goals tally, after registering eight shots on target in that match.

Garcia's team have conceded two fewer goals than Villarreal, but crucially they have also scored 18 less than seventh spot, meaning that one point this weekend for Bilbao and a loss for Villarreal against Barcelona is still unlikely to move Bilbao up the table.

The Lions have drawn nine matches away from home this season, a total that is only higher for Sunday's hosts amongst La Liga, and reflecting on the campaign as a whole, had Bilbao turned just some of those draws into maximum points, they could have been heading into this match with European football secured.

Sevilla secured a slight 1-0 win against Bilbao in the reverse fixture five months ago, courtesy of Thomas Delaney's first strike of the season, in a match of few chances for either team.

Sevilla La Liga form:

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:

Team News

Sevilla midfielder Nemanja Gudelj will not be available for selection due to suspension, Oliver Torres is likely to come into the starting 11, playing alongside Delaney and Ivan Rakitic.

Central midfielder Fernando and right winger Suso will continue to be absent due to injury, with the latter having not featured since November due to a long-term ankle issue.

Speculation surrounding the future of centre-back Jules Kounde has escalated as the summer transfer window approaches, but he is sure to continue in the heart of defence for Sevilla, partnering Diego Carlos.

Nico Williams and Raul Garcia were forced off last time out and they have both been ruled out of this weekend, meaning that Berenguer and Villalibre, who both scored after coming off the bench last time out, are likely to start for Bilbao.

Forward Oihan Sancet has not appeared for Garcia's side since April, and he remains a doubt for this encounter, after netting six goals in 27 La Liga matches this season.

Midfielder Mikel Vesga will be included in the matchday squad after serving his one-match suspension, but he is likely to be named amongst the substitutes with Unai Vencedor and Dani Garcia continuing in the middle of the pitch.

Sevilla possible starting lineup:

Bounou; Acuna, Carlos, Kounde, Navas; Rakitic, Torres, Delaney; Lamela, En-Nesyri, Gomez

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:

Simon; Berchiche, Martinez, Alvarez, De Marcos; Muniain, Garcia, Vencedor, Berenguer; Williams, Villalibre

We say: Sevilla 1-1 Athletic Bilbao

After multiple draws in a row, Sevilla have fallen into a pattern at the end of the season, which they do not need to get out of to secure fourth spot.

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