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The Copa del Rey is back in action with another set of matches this week as Athletic Bilbao take on Real Madrid on Thursday. Both teams have impressive players in their ranks and will want to win this game.
Athletic Bilbao are in ninth place in the La Liga standings and have been fairly inconsistent this season. The Basque outfit edged Rayo Vallecano to a 1-0 victory last month and will want a similar result this week.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, are at the top of the league table at the moment and have been impressive this season. Los Blancos were held to a 2-2 draw by Elche in their previous game and will need to bounce back in this fixture.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Head-to-Head
Real Madrid have an impressive record against Athletic Bilbao and have won 36 out of 52 matches played between the two teams. Athletic Bilbao have managed nine victories against Real Madrid and will need to step up in this fixture.
The previous meeting between the two teams took place in the Spanish Super Cup final and ended in a 2-0 victory for Real Madrid. Athletic Bilbao were outplayed on the day and will need to prove a point this week.
Athletic Bilbao form guide: W-W-L-W-D
Real Madrid form guide: D-W-W-W-W
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Team News
Athletic Bilbao
Unai Nunez and Asier Villalibre are struggling with their fitness and might not feature in this game. Oihan Sancet picked up an injury against Barcelona last month and has been ruled out of this match.
Injured: Oihan Sancet
Doubtful: Unai Nunez, Asier Villalibre
Unavailable: None
Real Madrid
Karim Benzema, Ferland Mendy, and Marcelo are injury concerns for Real Madrid at the moment and will not be included in the squad. Dani Carvajal has completed his quarantine but might not be risked in this game.
Injured: Gareth Bale, Ferland Mendy, Marcelo, Karim Benzema
Doubtful: Dani Carvajal, Vinicius Junior, Casemiro
Unavailable: None
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Predicted XI
Athletic Bilbao Predicted XI (4-4-2): Unai Simon; Mikel Balenziaga, Inigo Martinez, Yeray Alvarez, Oscar De Marcos; Unai Vencedor, Dani Garcia, Iker Muniain, Alex Berenguer; Raul Garcia, Inaki Williams
Real Madrid Predicted XI (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois; Nacho, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Lucas Vazquez; Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric; Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Prediction
Real Madrid have managed to exceed expectations with their performances this season and will be intent on completing a domestic sweep this season. With Benzema and Vinicius unavailable this week, the likes of Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio will need to step up and lead Real Madrid's attack.
Athletic Bilbao are perfectly capable of pulling off a positive result in this fixture and have proved their mettle against Spain's big names this season. Real Madrid have a better squad, however, and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Real Madrid
