In-form Athletic Bilbao host title challengers Sevilla

Sevilla’s tough run of matches continues as they face an Athletic Bilbao side that have been revitalized by Gaizka Garitano.

Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten since Gaizka Garitano joined, with three wins and two draws in all competitions, a complete contrast to Eduardo Berizzo’s disastrous reign. However, they’re still down in 17th place with just a two-point gap from the relegation spots. Sevilla are currently on a seven-game unbeaten run in all competitions, although they haven’t lost since October in the league.

In the last matchday, Los Hispalenses came away with a point against Atletico Madrid in an impressive performance that highlighted their title challenger credentials, but four draws in the last five matches has seen Barcelona build a seven-point lead on them, while Atleti also overtook them.

Pablo Machin will use his 3-5-2 system as usual while Garitano has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation since taking charge of Bilbao. The key for Los Leones will be to get the full-backs to push up high so that they can create overloads on the wings due to the lack of width and inevitably pull the center-backs across.

In Inaki Williams, they also have a player who is suited to direct play with balls in behind the defense for him to run on to, so Bilbao can also sit back and absorb pressure if needed due to the outlet they have. They also have an excellent playmaker in Iker Muniain who is capable of changing games through his creativity.

Sevilla will look to quickly break on Bilbao with willing runners in Andre Silva, Wissam Ben Yedder and Pablo Sarabia. Jesus Navas is usually an important part of these moves due to his acceleration and work-rate as well as the space that he is able to utilize in wide areas when teams push up high. Ever Banega is the chief creator for the side when they need to break down Bilbao’s stubborn defensive shape.