Athletic Club vs. Sevilla Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 17 August 2025

La Liga kicks off its 2025-26 season with Athletic Club hosting Sevilla at San Mames. It’s set to be an intriguing opener, with Athletic Club being the bookmaker favorite at 1.58 odds. Historically, both clubs have battled in closely contested matches, with many encounters finishing under 2.5 goals, and this one likely falls into the same pattern.

Athletic Club, under coach Ernesto Valverde, will be determined to start strong, especially after a shaky pre-season. The return to the Champions League after 11 years adds pressure, and the form of key player Nico Williams will be under scrutiny. Sevilla, on the other hand, comes into this with a robust defensive line and a string of draws in pre-season. Matias Almeyda’s men are not to be taken lightly.

Given their past head-to-head results and low-scoring tendencies, a draw seems a probable outcome. Recommended bet: Draw.

Athletic Club vs Sevilla Prediction & Betting Tip

Given the history between these two sides, our prediction leans towards a draw in this season opener. Both teams have showcased their propensity for tightly contested matches, often resulting in low-scoring games. Athletic Club, though the bookmaker favorite, has had a tough pre-season, whereas Sevilla comes in off a string of draws.

• Athletic Club and Sevilla primarily engage in low-scoring, tightly-fought encounters.
• Bilbao’s aggressive pressing likely countered by Sevilla’s solid defense.
• Previous encounters between these teams generally end in draws, making this a viable prediction.

Given these factors, a draw appears the most balanced and likely result for this match.

Athletic Club vs Sevilla Odds

The upcoming clash between Athletic Club and Sevilla presents some intriguing betting opportunities. Athletic Club is the bookmaker favorite with odds of 1.58, given their home advantage and unbeaten record against Sevilla in their last four matches.

The betting odds reflect a higher likelihood of a home win:

Given that 90% of their past encounters ended with fewer than 2.5 goals, the odds for a low-scoring draw are quite appealing. Sevilla’s robust defense and Bilbao’s aggressive pressing make for a balanced contest, making the draw odds of 3.90 particularly enticing.

Keep in mind, however, that these odds can shift as matchday approaches, especially with any late-breaking team news.

Athletic Club Team Analysis

Athletic Club Recent Performance

Athletic Club’s recent form has been less than ideal, with five consecutive losses in their pre-season friendlies. Their latest outings include a narrow penalty shoot-out defeat to Arsenal, a heavy 4-1 loss to Liverpool, and close defeats to Racing Santander, PSV Eindhoven, and Real Sociedad.

• Recent Form: LLLLL
• Average Goals Scored: 2.00 goals per game
• Clean Sheets: 0 in the last 5 games

Despite a turbulent pre-season, coach Ernesto Valverde’s side will look to shake off the rust and begin La Liga on a positive note. The team has struggled defensively, conceding multiple goals, and will need a strong performance from key players like Inaki Williams and Yuri Berchiche to regain stability. The pressure is on as they welcome a robust Sevilla side to San Mames.

Athletic Club Key Players

For Athletic Club, all eyes will be on the Williams brothers, Inaki and Nico, who are pivotal to their attacking strategies. Inaki Williams’ pace and versatility, combined with Nico’s dribbling skills, will be crucial in breaking down Sevilla’s solid defensive lines. However, Nico Williams’ recent dip in form has been a concern and how he performs could greatly influence the outcome.

Expect Yuri Berchiche and Jesus Areso to play critical roles in wing-back positions, providing both defensive support and crucial crosses into the box.

Centre-forward Maroan Sannadi will aim to capitalize on any chances created by their dynamic wingers and midfield play.

Expected lineup for Athletic Club:

• Goalkeeper: Unai Simon
• Defenders: Jesus Areso, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche
• Midfielders: Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar, Inaki Williams, Alejandro Berenguer Remiro, Nico Williams
• Forward: Maroan Sannadi

Athletic Club Suspensions & Injuries

Athletic Club will have to navigate some significant absences due to injuries and suspensions. Benat Prados is sidelined with a thigh injury and expected to return in early September. Oihan Sancet is out with a knee injury until late September. Unai Egiluz, dealing with a cruciate ligament injury, won’t be back until mid-February 2026. Unai Gomez, nursing a muscle injury, is also unavailable until late August. Additionally, Unai Egiluz is serving the last of his one-match suspension following a red card.

These absences, particularly in midfield, could hinder the team’s balance and depth, putting extra pressure on available players to perform at their best.

Athletic Club Tactics and Formation

Athletic Club Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Maroan Sannadi
• Midfield Trio: Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar, Alejandro Berenguer Remiro
• Defensive Concerns: Zero clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Utilizing the pace and dribbling skills of Inaki and Nico Williams on the wings.

Ernesto Valverde’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation aims for a balanced approach between attack and defense. The team relies heavily on the Williams brothers for width and attacking impetus. In midfield, Jauregizar and Ruiz de Galarreta are expected to provide stability and control the tempo. However, the recent defensive lapses need to be addressed to keep Sevilla at bay. This formation also allows for quick transitions, a key element in Athletic’s pressing game.

Sevilla Team Analysis

Sevilla Recent Performance

Sevilla has had a relatively strong pre-season, remaining undefeated in their last five friendlies. Their recent outings included a 1-1 draw against Toulouse, a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Al Qadasiya followed by a penalty shoot-out win, and another 1-1 draw against Marseille. Additionally, Sevilla secured a convincing 4-2 victory over Schalke 04 and played out a 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

• Recent Form: DWDWD
• Average Goals Scored: 2.60 goals per game
• Clean Sheets: 0 in the last 5 games

Coach Matias Almeyda will be keen to carry this unbeaten streak into La Liga, capitalizing on their robust defensive organization and attacking potential. Despite not keeping a clean sheet recently, the team’s ability to score multiple goals per game makes them a formidable opponent.

Sevilla Key Players

Sevilla’s key players for this match include their standout goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland and defenders Juanlu Sanchez and Kike Salas, who will be tasked with keeping Athletic Club’s attacking threats at bay. In midfield, Nemanja Gudelj’s defensive capabilities and Gabriel Suazo’s playmaking will be essential in both shielding the defense and initiating attacks.

On the wings, Dodi Lukebakio and Stanis Idumbo Muzambo offer pace and creativity, looking to provide opportunities for striker Isaac Romero. The interplay between Lukebakio and Muzambo could form a crucial part of Sevilla’s offensive strategy.

Expected lineup for Sevilla:

• Goalkeeper: Ørjan Nyland
• Defenders: Juanlu Sanchez, Andrés Castrín, Kike Salas, Jose Angel Carmona
• Midfielders: Lucien Agoume, Nemanja Gudelj, Dodi Lukebakio, Ibrahima Sow, Stanis Idumbo Muzambo
• Forward: Isaac Romero

Sevilla Suspensions & Injuries

Sevilla will be missing several key players due to injuries as they head into their season opener against Athletic Club. Joan Jordan is sidelined with a back injury and is expected to return in late September. Tanguy Nianzou Kouassi, Adria Pedrosa, and Ruben Vargas are all recovering from thigh and hamstring injuries, with anticipated returns in early September. Additionally, Ramon Martinez is out with a hamstring injury, aiming for a mid-September return.

These absences could impact Sevilla’s depth, particularly in the midfield, and place extra responsibility on the remaining squad to step up and perform effectively.

Sevilla Tactics and Formation

Sevilla Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Isaac Romero
• Midfield Duo: Lucien Agoume, Nemanja Gudelj
• Defensive Strength: Solid defensive organization despite no clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Utilizing the wings for quick counter-attacks.

Coach Matias Almeyda employs a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation that focuses on a solid defensive setup while allowing for swift counter-attacks. The midfield duo of Agoume and Gudelj is critical in providing both defensive coverage and initiating offensive plays. On the flanks, Dodi Lukebakio and Stanis Idumbo Muzambo are vital for their pace and ability to stretch the opposition defense.

Almeyda’s strategy often includes soaking up pressure and hitting on the break, making the most of the speed and creativity of their wingers. This could be particularly effective against Athletic Club’s aggressive pressing.

Athletic Club vs Sevilla Head-to-Head Statistics

Historically, clashes between Athletic Club and Sevilla have often been closely fought affairs. In their last five meetings, Athletic Club holds the upper hand with three wins, including a 1-0 victory at Sevilla in their most recent encounter in March 2025. Sevilla managed to grab a win themselves back in April 2023, while the other match concluded in a 1-1 draw in September 2024.

Last 5 Meetings:

• Sevilla 0 – 1 Athletic Club (March 2025)
• Athletic Club 1 – 1 Sevilla (September 2024)
• Athletic Club 2 – 0 Sevilla (May 2024)
• Sevilla 0 – 2 Athletic Club (January 2024)
• Athletic Club 0 – 1 Sevilla (April 2023)

These matches have frequently ended with less than 2.5 goals scored, and such a trend indicates a potential low-scoring game in this upcoming clash.

Odds accurate as of 15.08.2025 18:30, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.