Athletic Bilbao welcome Elfsborg to the San Mamés Stadium in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. Bilbao have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their campaign, winning three of four games, while the visitors have one win and two losses.
Athletic are unbeaten in seven games across competitions, winning three. They resumed their La Liga campaign after the international break with a 1-0 home win over Real Sociedad on Sunday. Oihan Sancet scored the only goal of the match in the 26th minute.
Elfsborg, meanwhile, are unbeaten in four games across competitions, keeping three clean sheets. They beat Djurgarden 3-0 in a friendly last week.
Bilbao extended their winning streak in the Europa League to three games with a comeback 2-1 triumph at Ludogorets. Iñaki Williams equalised in the 73rd minute before Nico Serrano scored the winner a minute later.
Elfsborg, meanwhile, are winless in two games in the Europa League and drew 1-1 at home against Braga. Timothy Ouma's own goal gave Braga the lead in the 66th minute before Emil Holten equalised in the 84th.
Athletic Bilbao vs Elfsborg Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams will meet for the first time.
- Bilbao have met a Swedish opponent twice, with both meetings coming against Oersunds, winning once and drawing the other.
- Elfsborg have squared off against Spanish teams thrice, losing all three times.
- Bilbao have won five of their last seven home games across competitions, scoring 13 goals and conceding four times.
- Elfsborg have lost their two away games in the Europa League this season, scoring five goals and conceding seven times.
- Elfsborg have outscored Athletic 7-6 in four games in the Europa League this season.
Athletic Bilbao vs Elfsborg Prediction
Athletic egistered a home win over Basque rivals Real Sociedad last week. After a draw in their Europa League campaign opener in September, they have won three games on the trot.
Manager Ernesto Valverde has a clean bill of health, so expect a largely unchanged side. Goalkeeper Unai Simon was an unused substitute and is likely to start from the bench again.
Elfsborg, meanwhile, suffered four consecutive losses in October. They have enjoyed an upturn in form and are unbeaten in last four games, drawing the last two.
With the Allsvenskan season over, they can focus on their European campaign. Manager Oscar Hiljemark is expected to field a strong starting XI.
Bilbao have enjoyed a good run of form recently, and considering their three-game winning streak in the Europa League, they should record a comfortable win.
Prediction: Athletic 2-1 Elfsborg
Athletic Bilbao vs Elfsborg Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Athletic Bilbao to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Both teams to score - Yes
Bold Tip: Inaki Williams to score or assist any time - Yes