Athletic Club vs. Deportivo Alaves Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 11 May 2025 - bettingexpert
Get ready for an intriguing LaLiga clash as Athletic Club takes on Deportivo Alaves at San Mames on 11 May 2025, with a 17:30 kickoff. The importance of this match cannot be overstated, given the contrasting situations of the two teams.
Athletic Club, currently 4th in LaLiga, is eyeing Champions League qualification and will aim to cement their position. Despite suffering a heavy defeat against Manchester United in the Europa League, they remain focused domestically. Meanwhile, Deportivo Alaves finds themselves precariously perched just above the relegation zone in 17th place, fighting for survival.
Referee Jose Munuera is known for awarding penalties, having given 7 this season, and might influence the dynamics with his strict officiating. With both teams having key injuries—most notably Athletic’s top scorer Oihan Sancet and the Williams brothers—not fully fit, this could impact the game.
Given their strong home record, where they’ve lost just once in 17 games this season, the bookies favour an Athletic Club win with odds of 1.89. Deportivo Alaves are potential underdogs with odds of 4.54. Our recommended bet is for Athletic Club to win, supported by their recent head-to-head dominance where they’ve won three of the last four encounters.
Expect a tense match with high stakes for both teams, contributing another chapter to the exciting narrative of LaLiga 2024/2025.
Athletic Club vs Deportivo Alaves Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip is to back Athletic Club for a win.
| Athletic Club vs Deportivo Alaves Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Athletic Club to Win | 1.89 |
- Athletic Club have a stellar home record, with only one loss in 17 LaLiga games this season.
- They’ve dominated Deportivo Alaves in recent encounters, winning three of the last four games.
- Despite recent injuries, Athletic Club boast a versatile and experienced squad capable of stepping up in crucial matches.
The odds reflect Athletic Club’s strength at home and Alaves’ struggle near the relegation zone. With stakes high for both teams, expect a thrilling match!
Athletic Club vs Deportivo Alaves Odds
Here are the betting odds for the match between Athletic Club and Deportivo Alaves:
| Athletic Club vs Deportivo Alaves Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Athletic Club | 1.89 |
| Draw | 3.22 |
| Deportivo Alaves | 4.54 |
Athletic Club are clear favorites, supported by their strong home record and recent dominance over Alaves. Despite several key injuries, their versatile squad remains potent. Meanwhile, Alaves’ struggle near the relegation zone adds to the expectations of a home win.
Athletic Club Team Analysis
Athletic Club Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | Athletic Club | 2025-05-08 | Europa League | 4-1 (Loss) |
| Real Sociedad | Athletic Club | 2025-05-04 | La Liga | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Athletic Club | Manchester United | 2025-05-01 | Europa League | 0-3 (Loss) |
| Athletic Club | Las Palmas | 2025-04-23 | La Liga | 1-0 (Win) |
| Real Madrid | Athletic Club | 2025-04-20 | La Liga | 1-0 (Loss) |
Recent Form: LDLWL
Athletic Club have had a mixed bag of results recently, winning only one of their last five matches. Their last two Europa League matches against Manchester United ended in heavy defeats, thus focusing their efforts on maintaining their La Liga position. Despite this, they have secured clean sheets twice in their last five matches. However, goal-scoring has been a challenge, averaging just 0.40 goals per game. With key players like Sancet and the Williams brothers missing due to injuries, they might struggle to find the net.
Athletic Club Key Players
Athletic Club is expected to depend heavily on their remaining fit players given the absence of top performers such as Oihan Sancet, who has netted 15 goals this season, and the Williams brothers. Their strength, as always, will stem from a solid defensive setup and tactical flexibility from coach Ernesto Valverde.
Expected lineup for Athletic Club:
- Goalkeeper: Unai Simon
- Defenders: Inigo Lekue, Aitor Paredes, Daniel Vivian, Adama Boiro
- Midfielders: Benat Prados, Mikel Jauregizar, Óscar de Marcos, Unai Gomez, Alvaro Djalo
- Attacker: Gorka Guruzeta
Key battles to watch include Gorka Guruzeta against Deportivo Alaves defender Facundo Garces. Unai Gomez will be crucial in creating opportunities in the absence of their top scorer.
Athletic Club Suspensions & Injuries
Athletic Club faces a challenging situation with several key players missing due to injuries and suspensions, which could significantly impact their performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Oihan Sancet | Foot injury | Mid-May 2025 |
| Nico Williams | Foot injury | Mid-May 2025 |
| Inaki Williams | Hamstring injury | Mid-May 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Alejandro Berenguer | Yellow cards | Next match |
| Andoni Gorosabel | Yellow cards | Next match |
The absence of top scorers Oihan Sancet and the Williams brothers will undoubtedly weaken Athletic Club’s attacking options. Additionally, the suspensions of key defenders Alejandro Berenguer and Andoni Gorosabel will force coach Ernesto Valverde to make strategic adjustments to maintain a strong defensive line. These absences might compel Valverde to depend on younger and less experienced players to fill the gaps, potentially affecting the team’s cohesion and overall performance.
Athletic Club Tactics and Formation
Athletic Club Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Gorka Guruzeta expected to start as the center forward
- Midfield Trio: Óscar de Marcos (right wing), Unai Gomez (attacking midfielder), Alvaro Djalo (left wing)
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
Athletic Club will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation for the match against Deportivo Alaves. This setup allows for a balanced approach between defense and attack. With top scorer Oihan Sancet injured, the responsibility of leading the line falls on Gorka Guruzeta.
The midfield is expected to see a blend of youth and experience, featuring Óscar de Marcos and Alvaro Djalo on the wings, with Unai Gomez in a creative midfield role. The defense will have to tighten up, especially given the suspensions of Alejandro Berenguer and Andoni Gorosabel, forcing coach Ernesto Valverde to make strategic adjustments.
This formation aims to leverage their strong home record and endeavor to maintain their position in the top four.
Deportivo Alaves Team Analysis
Deportivo Alaves Recent Performance
Deportivo Alaves have been in mixed form recently, managing to gather 8 points from their last five matches. Their recent record shows they’ve become tough to beat, incorporating a series of tight games.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deportivo Alaves | Atletico Madrid | 2025-05-03 | LaLiga | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Deportivo Alaves | Real Sociedad | 2025-04-23 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Win) |
| Sevilla | Deportivo Alaves | 2025-04-20 | LaLiga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Deportivo Alaves | Real Madrid | 2025-04-13 | LaLiga | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Girona | Deportivo Alaves | 2025-04-05 | LaLiga | 0-1 (Win) |
Their defensive solidity is evident as they’ve achieved three clean sheets in these matches, conceding an average of just 1.3 goals across the season. Despite a less proficient attacking record, scoring 0.60 goals on average per game over the last five, they show resilience, especially with crucial matches ahead for survival.
Deportivo Alaves Key Players
Deportivo Alaves will rely heavily on their key players to fend off the threat of relegation in this crucial match against Athletic Club. Leading the line will be Kike Garcia, who has netted 12 goals this season, making him their top scorer.
Expected lineup for Deportivo Alaves:
- Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera
- Defenders: Nahuel Tenaglia, Facundo Garces, Santiago Mourino, Manu Sanchez
- Midfielders: Antonio Blanco, Ander Guevara, Carlos Vicente, Jon Guridi, Carles Alena
- Forward: Kike Garcia
Alaves’ midfield pair of Blanco and Guevara will be critical in breaking up play and launching counterattacks. Additionally, defensive resilience will be key, especially with their center-back pairing of Garces and Mourino. The battle between Kike Garcia and Athletic Club’s solid defenders will be one to watch.
Deportivo Alaves Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries and suspensions can significantly impact Deportivo Alaves as they face a tough fixture against Athletic Club. Here are their current injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Abdel Abqar | Hamstring Injury | Late May 2025 |
Abqar’s absence at the heart of the defense will force coach Eduardo Coudet to make adjustments, potentially compromising their defensive solidity. While there are no suspensions to report for Alaves, the team must utilize their depth effectively, particularly with key games ahead. This match is crucial for Alaves as they navigate a relegation battle, needing a resilient and cohesive team effort to secure vital points.
Deportivo Alaves Tactics and Formation
Deportivo Alaves Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Kike Garcia
- Midfield Pivot: Ander Guevara, Antonio Blanco
- Wide Threats: Carlos Vicente, Carles Alena
- Defensive Backbone: Nahuel Tenaglia, Facundo Garces, Santiago Mouriño, Manu Sanchez
- Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera
Deportivo Alaves have maintained a consistent 4-2-3-1 formation in recent matches, providing stability and defensive solidity. The midfield pivot of Guevara and Blanco aims to disrupt the opposition’s play and shield the back four. Kike Garcia plays a crucial role as the lone striker, supported by the creative and fast wide men, Vicente and Alena. Alaves’ strategic approach relies on compact and organized defense, highlighted by three clean sheets in their last five games. This resilience will be essential as they aim to secure vital points in their relegation battle.
Athletic Club vs Deportivo Alaves Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deportivo Alaves | Athletic Club | 2024-12-15 | LaLiga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Athletic Club | Deportivo Alaves | 2024-03-16 | LaLiga | 2-0 (Win) |
| Athletic Club | Deportivo Alaves | 2024-01-16 | Copa del Rey | 2-0 (Win) |
| Deportivo Alaves | Athletic Club | 2023-09-22 | LaLiga | 0-2 (Win) |
| Athletic Club | Deportivo Alaves | 2022-08-06 | Club Friendlies | 1-1 (Draw) |
The recent history between Athletic Club and Deportivo Alaves has generally favoured Athletic Club. Out of their past five meetings, Athletic Club have won three times, while Deportivo Alaves have managed to secure two draws. This record suggests a competitive fixture but with Athletic Club having the upper hand in recent encounters.
Odds accurate as of 09 May 2025 17:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
