Sevilla vs Athletic Club Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 24 January

Sevilla will face Athletic Club in a highly anticipated LaLiga clash at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on Saturday, 24 January. This match is expected to be a thrilling encounter as both teams look to climb the league table. Sevilla, renowned for their strong home performances, will be eager to secure a victory in front of their fans. Meanwhile, Athletic Club will aim to upset the hosts and gain valuable points away from home.

The significance of this match is underscored by the current standings in LaLiga, where every point is crucial for both teams’ ambitions. Sevilla’s tactical prowess at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán could prove decisive, while Athletic Club’s resilience on the road will be tested. With both sides having much at stake, this encounter promises intriguing betting opportunities for those seeking informed choices.

Sevilla vs Athletic Club Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Second half to have the most goals	2.15

Athletic Club have a knack for starting their matches with a strong offensive push, especially in away games. Sevilla’s tendency to leave gaps early on at home makes this a perfect opportunity for Athletic Club to capitalise. Therefore, my recommended betting tip is to back Athletic Club to lead at halftime.

• Athletic Club have frequently taken a first-half lead in similar fixtures, showcasing their ability to capitalise early.
• Sevilla’s home games often see them pushing forward aggressively, leaving gaps that Athletic Club can exploit.
• Match facts show Athletic Club score most goals between 31-45 minutes, aligning well with an early lead prediction.

Betting Odds

Sevilla are hosting Athletic Club at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, and the betting odds suggest a closely contested match. Sevilla are priced at 2.89, while Athletic Club are slightly favoured at 2.58. A draw is also a tempting option at 3.07, reflecting the balanced nature of this LaLiga encounter.

Betting Tip	Odds
Sevilla to win	2.89
Draw	3.07
Athletic Club to win	2.58

For those looking to place bets, consider the over 2.5 goals market, as both teams have shown attacking prowess in recent fixtures. Additionally, the both teams to score market could offer value given the offensive capabilities on display.

Sevilla Analysis & Past Performance

Sevilla’s recent form has been underwhelming, managing only one draw in their last five matches across all competitions. Their recent performances include a 2-2 draw against Elche and a demoralising 0-3 home defeat to Levante.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Elche	Sevilla	2 – 2 (Draw)	LaLiga	19 Jan 2026
Sevilla	Celta Vigo	0 – 1 (Loss)	LaLiga	12 Jan 2026
Sevilla	Levante	0 – 3 (Loss)	LaLiga	4 Jan 2026
Real Madrid	Sevilla	2 – 0 (Loss)	LaLiga	20 Dec 2025
Deportivo Alavés	Sevilla	1 – 0 (Loss)	Copa del Rey	17 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Sevilla’s attack has struggled, averaging only 0.40 goals per game in the last five fixtures, and they’ve failed to score in three of those matches. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.80 goals per game, indicating vulnerabilities at the back. Their inability to keep a clean sheet recently highlights a need for defensive improvements.

At home, Sevilla have fared slightly better, winning 2 out of their last 5 home games. However, their home win ratio stands at a modest 0.40, which is a concern for a team traditionally known for its fortress-like performances at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Their current league position of 14th, with only 21 points, reflects their struggles this season. Their top scorer, Akor Adams, has been a rare bright spot with 5 goals, but the team needs more contributions from other players to turn their season around.

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Sevilla Suspensions & Injuries

Sevilla will be without several key players due to injuries and suspensions, which could impact their tactical setup against Athletic Club. The absence of Alfonso González, César Azpilicueta, and Rubén Vargas due to thigh and hamstring injuries, all expected to return in early to mid-February, limits Sevilla’s options, particularly in defence and midfield. Adnan Januzaj’s injury also adds to the concern, as his creativity in the final third will be missed. With Alexis Sánchez and Tanguy Nianzou Kouassi listed as doubtful, Sevilla’s depth will be tested, potentially affecting their attacking and defensive strategies.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Alfonso González	Thigh injury	Early February 2026
César Azpilicueta	Thigh injury	Early February 2026
Rubén Vargas	Hamstring injury	Mid February 2026
Alexis Sánchez	Thigh injury	Doubtful
Adnan Januzaj	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Tanguy Nianzou Kouassi	Hamstring injury	Doubtful

The suspension of Marcos Teixeira Marcão, who is serving a six-match ban with three matches remaining, along with Batista Mendy’s one-match suspension due to yellow cards, further complicates Sevilla’s selection dilemmas. Marcão’s absence is significant given his defensive prowess, necessitating tactical adjustments from coach Matías Almeyda, who might need to rely on less experienced players to fill these gaps.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Marcos Teixeira Marcão	Post-match ban	3	Unknown
Batista Mendy	Yellow card suspension	1	Unknown

These absences could lead to tactical shifts, with Sevilla possibly opting for a more conservative approach to maintain defensive solidity. The unavailability of these players may influence betting markets, as Sevilla’s ability to secure a positive result could be perceived as diminished. The team will need to rely heavily on their available starting lineup to mitigate these challenges and maintain their competitive edge in LaLiga.

Sevilla Key Players

Sevilla’s attack will heavily rely on their top scorer, Akor Adams, who has found the back of the net five times this season. Known for his clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive errors, Adams is a constant threat in the box. His partnership with Isaac Romero in the forward line is expected to be pivotal against Athletic Club. Romero’s pace and dribbling skills complement Adams’s goal-scoring prowess, making them a formidable duo.

In midfield, Djibril Sow and Joan Jordán are the key players tasked with controlling the tempo and breaking down the opposition’s play. Sow’s defensive capabilities and Jordán’s vision and passing range are vital in transitioning play from defence to attack. Defensively, Nemanja Gudelj’s leadership and aerial ability will be crucial in organising the backline, especially against set-piece threats.

Expected lineup for Sevilla:

• Goalkeeper: Odysseas Vlachodimos
• Defenders: Juanlu Sánchez, José Ángel Carmona, Nemanja Gudelj, Kike Salas, Oso
• Midfielders: Djibril Sow, Lucien Agoumé, Joan Jordán
• Forwards: Isaac Romero, Gerard Fernández

Tactically, Sevilla will likely focus on maintaining possession and utilising their midfield’s strength to dictate play. The combination of Sow and Jordán in midfield provides a balance of defensive solidity and creative flair. With Adams leading the attack, Sevilla’s ability to convert chances into goals will be a key factor in their tactical approach.

Sevilla Tactics and Formation

Sevilla Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-3-2
• Key Forward: Isaac Romero
• Midfield Anchor: Djibril Sow
• Defensive Structure: Five-man defence to offset recent defensive vulnerabilities
• Notable Challenge: Adapting without key players like Alexis Sánchez and César Azpilicueta.

Sevilla’s switch to a 5-3-2 formation under Matías Almeyda is a strategic move to reinforce their defensive line, which has been porous, conceding an average of 1.80 goals per game in recent matches. The five-man backline, including Juanlu Sánchez and Kike Salas, aims to provide extra cover against Athletic Club’s attacking threats.

In midfield, Djibril Sow and Lucien Agoumé are pivotal in maintaining possession and facilitating transitions from defence to attack. Joan Jordán’s inclusion suggests a focus on creativity and ball progression, key to unlocking the opposition’s defence.

Offensively, the pairing of Isaac Romero and Gerard Fernández up front provides a blend of pace and physicality. However, the absence of experienced players like Alexis Sánchez could impact their ability to convert chances, as evidenced by recent struggles to secure clean sheets.

Athletic Club Analysis & Past Performance

Athletic Club’s recent form has shown a mix of resilience and inconsistency, with their last five games producing two wins, two losses, and a draw. Notably, their attacking prowess has been on display, scoring an average of 2.00 goals per match, but defensive frailties have been apparent with an average of 2.80 goals conceded per game.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Atalanta	Athletic Club	2 – 3 (Win)	Champions League	21 Jan 2026
Mallorca	Athletic Club	3 – 2 (Loss)	LaLiga	17 Jan 2026
Cultural Leonesa	Athletic Club	3 – 3 (Extra time: 0 – 1) (Win)	Copa del Rey	13 Jan 2026
Barcelona	Athletic Club	5 – 0 (Loss)	Super Cup	7 Jan 2026
Osasuna	Athletic Club	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	3 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

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In away fixtures, Athletic Club have managed to secure two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five outings, translating to a win ratio of 0.40. Their ability to find the back of the net in away games is commendable, averaging 1.30 goals scored, while they have struggled defensively, conceding 1.80 goals on average. Despite these challenges, they have maintained a competitive spirit, highlighted by their recent 3-2 victory against Atalanta in the Champions League. However, clean sheets remain elusive, with no shutouts in their last five matches, emphasising the need for defensive improvement.

Athletic Club Suspensions & Injuries

Athletic Club will have to cope without key players due to a mix of injuries and suspensions. Gorka Guruzeta is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow and red cards, which will force a reshuffle in the attacking line. Iñigo Lekue’s suspension also poses a challenge at the defensive end, necessitating adjustments within the backline. The absence of these players will require Athletic Club to rely on depth players such as Jesús Areso and Daniel Vivian to fill the gaps in defence.

Player	Suspension Type	Games Left	Anticipated Return
Gorka Guruzeta	Yellow/red card	1	Unknown
Iñigo Lekue	Red card	1	Unknown

Injuries further compound Athletic Club’s problems, with significant figures like Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams sidelined until early February. The loss of Aymeric Laporte impacts the central defence, while Nico Williams’ absence is a blow to their attacking options. Unai Egiluz and Beñat Prados are out with long-term injuries, but it’s the short-term absences of Yuri Berchiche and Alejandro Berenguer that may hurt the squad’s immediate depth. The expected return of these players in early February could bolster Athletic Club’s options moving forward.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Unai Egiluz	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid-February 2026
Beñat Prados	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season
Maroan Sannadi	Meniscus injury	Early February 2026
Aymeric Laporte	Leg injury	Early February 2026
Iñaki Williams	Leg injury	Mid-February 2026
Nico Williams	Muscle injury	Early February 2026
Yuri Berchiche	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Alejandro Berenguer Remiro	Finger injury	Early February 2026

Tactically, Athletic Club will likely need to adjust their formation to accommodate these absences. With Iñaki Williams listed in the starting lineup, his presence offers some continuity in attack, but the team will need to creatively manage their midfield and defence. The absence of key players may also affect betting markets, as punters adjust their expectations based on the reduced squad strength.

Athletic Club Key Players

Athletic Club’s tactical approach will heavily rely on the midfield dynamism provided by Oihan Sancet and Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta. Sancet’s ability to transition play from defence to attack makes him pivotal in linking up with the forward line, while Ruiz de Galarreta’s vision and passing range can unlock defences. In attack, the absence of Nico Williams, who is the team’s top scorer with four goals, could shift the goal-scoring responsibilities onto other players. Iñaki Williams, typically a forward, will be missed due to injury, leaving a void in pace and finishing ability up front.

Expected lineup for Athletic Club

• Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
• Defence: Iñigo Lekue, Jesús Areso, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes
• Midfield: Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar, Oihan Sancet, Adama Boiro, Robert Navarro
• Forward: Iñaki Williams

In defence, Daniel Vivian will be crucial in maintaining structure and resilience against Sevilla’s forward threats. Vivian’s presence in the backline provides aerial strength and composure under pressure. The blend of youthful energy and tactical discipline in Athletic Club’s lineup could be their strength, as they aim to maintain a compact shape and exploit counter-attacking opportunities. The midfield’s ability to control the tempo and dictate play will be vital in Athletic Club’s strategic setup.

Athletic Club Tactics and Formation

Athletic Club Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Iñaki Williams
• Midfield Pivot: Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Mikel Jauregizar
• Defensive Strength: Defensive resilience with Iñigo Lekue and Aitor Paredes
• Notable Strategy: Quick transitions and utilising the pace of wingers.

Athletic Club’s 4-2-3-1 formation provides a balanced approach, allowing them to maintain defensive solidity while offering attacking options. The midfield duo of Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Mikel Jauregizar is crucial for ball retention and transition play, ensuring a seamless flow from defence to attack.

Iñaki Williams, leading the line, is pivotal with his speed and ability to stretch defences. Supported by Oihan Sancet and Robert Navarro, they form a dynamic attacking trio capable of exploiting spaces behind the opposition’s defence, especially during counter-attacks.

Defensively, Athletic Club rely on the experience of Iñigo Lekue and the emerging talent of Aitor Paredes to maintain structure and resilience. Despite recent injuries to key players like Aymeric Laporte and Álex Berenguer, their ability to adapt and maintain defensive discipline remains a key component of their strategy.

Sevilla vs Athletic Club Head-to-Head Record

Sevilla and Athletic Club have faced off 50 times, with Sevilla winning 24 matches, Athletic Club taking 20, and 5 ending in draws. In their last encounter, Athletic Club edged Sevilla 3-2 in a thrilling LaLiga match at San Mamés.

The last time Sevilla hosted Athletic Club at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, it ended in a disappointing 0-1 loss for the home side. Despite Sevilla’s strong overall home record, recent fixtures have seen Athletic Club snatch crucial away victories.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Athletic Club	Sevilla	3 – 2	LaLiga	2025-08-17
Sevilla	Athletic Club	0 – 1	LaLiga	2025-03-16
Athletic Club	Sevilla	1 – 1	LaLiga	2024-09-29
Athletic Club	Sevilla	2 – 0	LaLiga	2024-05-19
Sevilla	Athletic Club	0 – 2	LaLiga	2024-01-04