Valencia vs. Athletic Club Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 May 2025 - bettingexpert
Gear up for an intriguing LaLiga matchup as Valencia hosts Athletic Club at Estadio Mestalla on 18 May 2025 at 18:00. Both teams have a lot at stake in this penultimate round of the season. Athletic Club, sitting fourth in the standings with 67 points, are eyeing a Champions League spot, while Valencia, in 11th place with 45 points, aims to finish the season strong, possibly securing a European qualification.
Recent form sees Valencia strong at home, highlighted by influential players like Hugo Duro and Pepelu. However, they’ll miss Thierry Correia due to injury. Athletic Club is dealing with key absences—Nico and Iñaki Williams—which will affect their performance.
Expect a low-scoring game given both teams’ cautious approach and recent scoring stats. Our recommended bet is "Under 0.5 goals."
Given the high stakes and both teams’ form, this match promises to be a competitive contest. The weather is expected to be mild with cloudy skies, perfect conditions for football.
Valencia vs Athletic Club Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the cautious approach both teams are expected to take and the recent scoring statistics, our betting tip is "Under 0.5 goals." Valencia has shown a strong defensive record at home, while Athletic Club has struggled in away games recently. Both teams’ top scorers are also in fine form, but the high stakes will likely result in a cautious, low-scoring game.
| Valencia vs Athletic Club Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Under 0.5 goals | 2.99 |
- Both teams have shown a tendency to focus on defense in recent matches.
- Valencia has scored in 83% of home matches, but their average goals scored in the last 5 games is only 1.60.
- Athletic Club has conceded just 0.7 goals on average this season, showcasing their strong defensive capabilities.
Valencia vs Athletic Club Odds
The odds for this match indicate that Valencia is slightly favored by bookmakers, reflecting their strong home form and Athletic Club’s struggles on the road. With Valencia pushing for a late-season climb and Athletic Club vying for a Champions League spot, this game promises to be intriguing.
| Valencia vs Athletic Club Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Valencia | 2.21 |
| Draw | 2.99 |
| Athletic Club | 3.68 |
Despite the tight odds, keep in mind that Valencia has scored in 83% of their home matches and Athletic Club boasts a strong defense, conceding just 0.7 goals on average this season. This could be a closely contested match.
Valencia Team Analysis
Valencia Recent Performance
Valencia has been in decent form lately, with their last five results showing a mix of wins, draws, and one loss. The team has shown resilience and the ability to score, averaging 1.60 goals per game and keeping one clean sheet in their last five matches.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deportivo Alaves | Valencia | 2025-05-14 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Valencia | Getafe | 2025-05-10 | LaLiga | 3-0 (Win) |
| Las Palmas | Valencia | 2025-05-03 | LaLiga | 2-3 (Win) |
| Valencia | Espanyol | 2025-04-22 | LaLiga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Rayo Vallecano | Valencia | 2025-04-19 | LaLiga | 1-1 (Draw) |
Recent Form: LWWDD
Despite their recent ups and downs, Valencia remains a formidable team, especially when playing at Estadio Mestalla, where they have scored in 83% of matches this season. Their strong home form is crucial as they look to end the season on a high note.
Valencia Key Players
Valencia’s squad boasts some influential players who will be pivotal in their clash against Athletic Club. Key among them is Hugo Duro, Valencia’s top scorer with 11 goals this season. His partnership with Rafa Mir up front could be decisive in breaking down Athletic’s defence.
Midfield maestro, Pepelu, will also be crucial, orchestrating the play and providing defensive stability. Enzo Barrenechea, with his creative spark, will aim to dominate the midfield battle alongside Luis Rioja and Diego Lopez on the wings.
Expected lineup for Valencia:
- Goalkeeper: Giorgi Mamardashvili
- Defenders: Cristhian Mosquera, Cesar Tarrega, Mouctar Diakhaby, Jose Gaya
- Midfielders: Luis Rioja, Pepelu, Enzo Barrenechea, Diego Lopez
- Forwards: Rafa Mir, Hugo Duro
Watch out for the battle between Hugo Duro and Athletic’s experienced centre-back pairing of Daniel Vivian and Yeray Alvarez.
Valencia Suspensions & Injuries
Valencia will be without a key player for their upcoming clash against Athletic Club due to injury.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Thierry Correia | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
Thierry Correia’s absence due to a cruciate ligament injury is a significant blow to the team. His defensive skills and experience are greatly missed, and this puts added pressure on the remaining defenders to maintain a solid backline. Carlos Corberán will need to adjust his tactics to compensate for this loss, likely relying more on the leadership of Jose Gaya and the young talents in the squad.
Valencia Tactics and Formation
Valencia Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forwards: Rafael Mir, Hugo Duro
- Midfield Quartet: Luis Rioja, Pepelu, Enzo Barrenechea, Diego Lopez
- Defensive Setup: Two clean sheets in the last five games
Valencia has shown a preference for the 4-4-2 formation recently. With Hugo Duro leading the attack alongside Rafael Mir, the team relies on a balanced setup of pace and precision up front.
In midfield, Pepelu and Enzo Barrenechea handle central duties, offering both defensive cover and creative playmaking. Diego Lopez and Luis Rioja provide width, making crucial runs down the flanks.
Defensively, the absence of Thierry Correia will be felt, but Mouctar Diakhaby and Jose Gaya are expected to provide leadership at the back. Carlos Corberán’s focus will likely be on maintaining defensive solidity while capitalizing on quick counter-attacks to exploit Athletic Club’s away struggles.
Athletic Club Team Analysis
Athletic Club Recent Performance
Athletic Club have delivered a mixed bag in their recent outings with two victories, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. Here’s a closer look at their recent form:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Getafe | Athletic Club | 2025-05-15 | LaLiga | 0-2 (Win) |
| Athletic Club | Deportivo Alaves | 2025-05-11 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Win) |
| Manchester United | Athletic Club | 2025-05-08 | Europa League | 4-1 (Loss) |
| Real Sociedad | Athletic Club | 2025-05-04 | LaLiga | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Athletic Club | Manchester United | 2025-05-01 | Europa League | 0-3 (Loss) |
Despite their inconsistent form, Athletic Club have managed to clinch three clean sheets in their last five matches. On the scoring front, they have struggled somewhat, averaging only 0.80 goals per game in this period.
Overall, Ernesto Valverde will be aiming to keep up their defensive sturdiness and find more consistency in their attack as they hunt for a crucial top-four finish in LaLiga.
Athletic Club Key Players
Expected lineup for Athletic Club:
- Goalkeeper: Unai Simon
- Defenders: Andoni Gorosabel, Daniel Vivian, Yeray Alvarez, Yuri Berchiche
- Midfielders: Mikel Jauregizar, Mikel Vesga, Gorka Guruzeta, Alejandro Berenguer Remiro, Unai Gomez
- Forward: Maroan Sannadi
Key Individuals:
- Oihan Sancet: With 15 goals this season, Sancet is their leading scorer and critical to their attacking strategy.
- Unai Simon: A reliable presence in goal, Simon’s shot-stopping abilities could be vital.
- Mikel Vesga: The linchpin in midfield, providing both defensive cover and support in attack.
Important Battles:
- Oihan Sancet vs Giorgi Mamardashvili: Sancet will look to breach Valencia’s defense, testing the goalkeeper frequently.
- Mikel Jauregizar vs Pepelu: A midfield clash that could dictate the game’s tempo.
Mobilizing these key players effectively will be crucial for Athletic Club to secure vital points.
Athletic Club Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Nico Williams | Foot injury | Doubtful |
| Inaki Williams | Hamstring Injury | Doubtful |
Athletic Club is facing fitness concerns with both Nico and Inaki Williams listed as doubtful for the upcoming match against Valencia. The absence of these key players could significantly impact their attacking prowess and overall team dynamics.
Nico Williams’s injury reduces their speed and creativity on the wings, while Inaki Williams’s hamstring issue limits their options up front, pressing more responsibility on Oihan Sancet and Maroan Sannadi to deliver offensively.
Athletic Club Tactics and Formation
Athletic Club’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Maroan Sannadi
- Midfield Trio: Gorka Guruzeta, Alejandro Berenguer Remiro, Unai Gomez
- Defensive Duo: Mikel Jauregizar and Mikel Vesga
Ernesto Valverde’s men have been disciplined defensively, conceding an average of just 0.7 goals per game this season. Their last five matches reflect a solid backline with three clean sheets.
Offensively, they place significant reliance on Maroan Sannadi to spearhead the attack. With injuries to key players like Nico and Inaki Williams, the playmaking responsibilities fall even more on the shoulders of Berenguer, who operates in the central attacking role.
The team maintains a balanced approach, focusing on a strong defensive foundation while seeking opportunities to break forward, particularly using the width provided by their wing players.
Valencia vs Athletic Club Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Club | Valencia | 2024-08-28 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Valencia | Athletic Club | 2024-01-20 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Win) |
| Athletic Club | Valencia | 2023-10-29 | LaLiga | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Valencia | Athletic Club | 2023-02-11 | LaLiga | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Valencia | Athletic Club | 2023-01-26 | Copa del Rey | 1-3 (Loss) |
In the last five encounters between the two sides, Valencia has managed one win, while Athletic Club has taken two victories. One match ended in a draw. Athletic Club seems to have the upper hand historically, especially in cup competitions. Overall, these teams have produced relatively close matches, with only one encounter featuring a draw. Expect a hard-fought game this time around as well.
Odds accurate as of 16/05/2025 18:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
