Bats challenge Basques to a dance
Ahead of Athletic Club’s visit to the Autonomous Community of Valencia, the hosts are particularly keen to make amends. On the last matchday, Carlos Corberan’s team suffered what has become an almost traditional heavy defeat against Barcelona. But the Basques have also suffered a setback. After three consecutive wins at the start of the season, they first lost 0-1 at home to Alaves and then lost their Champions League opener against Arsenal.
It would therefore be important for both teams to get back on track quickly. Ernesto Valverde’s men clearly have the better cards, as they should be the favorites not only because of the higher quality of their squad, but also because of their successful start to the season. However, the bookmakers rate the Bats’ chances of winning almost the same as those of the Basques, which seems like a miscalculation in a match between fourth and 15th. In Valencia vs. Athletic Bilbao, betting on the visitors therefore promises some “value.”
The hosts’ defense will of course be under special scrutiny in this match. While the Bats conceded only two goals in their first three games of the season, they have already conceded eight goals after four matchdays. Only the goalkeepers of Levante, Mallorca, and Girona, who are currently in the relegation zone, have had to pick the ball out of their net more often.
The Basques can undoubtedly rely on a stable defense, having conceded only four goals so far. Considering that the last three direct duels between the two teams have all ended 1-0, one might think that we can hardly expect any goals in this game. The bookmakers seem to have come to the same conclusion, predicting few goals in Valencia vs. Athletic Bilbao. This is the only way to explain why the odds for few goals have plummeted so dramatically. On the other hand, this also means that the profit margin for a bet on many goals is unusually high.
In addition to betting on the number of goals, it could also be worth betting on “both teams to score.” Due to the last three direct duels, in which—as already mentioned—the final score was always 1-0, the betting odds are higher than they would otherwise be.
Valencia – Athletic Bilbao Head-to-head record / H2H record
The record between these two teams is perfectly balanced. Of the last 35 encounters, both the Basques and the Bats have won eleven each. This matchup has ended in a draw 13 times. However, Athletic Club Bilbao has won the two most recent encounters. In addition, Ernesto Valverde’s team has won three of the last four games at Mestalla.
Valencia – Athletic Bilbao Tip
On Saturday evening, all those interested in following LaLiga can look forward to an exciting match. Both teams have something to prove after their recent performances and will be highly motivated.
Based on their current position in LaLiga, the individual quality in their squads and their recent head-to-head encounters, the Basques are clear favorites. However, the bookmakers seem to see things differently, which is why the betting odds for Valencia vs. Athletic Bilbao are more balanced than they should be given the current situation. A bet on the visitors can therefore be considered a “value bet.”
As an alternative to betting on the outcome of the game, goal bets can also be used in this match. The same applies here as for the main bet. Due to the comparatively high odds offered for many goals, these bets offer the chance of a big win.
