Athletic Club eye four consecutive victories in Sevilla clash.

2024-09-24

As Athletic Bilbao aim to extend their La Liga winning streak against a resilient Sevilla, the clash at San Mamés promises a fascinating duel of form and willpower, with both sides keen on making history for contrasting reasons.

Athletic Club

Athletic Club kicked off their Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw at Roma on Thursday. The Lions were close to defeat after Artem Dovbyk scored for Roma in the first half, but Aitor Paredes secured a point with a late goal.

Now, they will refocus their energy on La Liga, hoping to extend their winning run to four matches. The Basque club recently picked up a 3-1 win against Celta Vigo, leaving them in 5th place with 13 points.

With a home game against Sevilla coming up, Athletic Club aims to win three straight La Liga games against Sevilla without conceding for the second time in history, a feat last achieved in 1972. They are also looking to win four La Liga games in a row while scoring two or more goals for the first time since March 2016.

However, the hosts have lost three of their last five home games against Sevilla in La Liga, having previously won each of the last nine at home against them. Ernesto Valverde is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Gorka Guruzeta in attack, as they face Sevilla.

Sevilla

After failing to win any of their first four league games of the season (0W, 2D, & 2L), Sevilla have now won two of their last three games (DLWLW). This resurgence has lifted them to 13th place with eight points.

Sevilla recorded a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid in their last league match. The game saw Valladolid defender David Torres score an own goal, giving Sevilla the lead just before halftime. Kike Pérez equalized in the second half, but Chidera Ejuke's late goal secured the win for Sevilla.

García Pimienta's side will travel to Athletic Club looking to improve their recent away record, having lost three of their five games on the road in La Liga (0W, 2D, & 3L). Unfortunately, Sevilla have struggled against Basque sides recently, losing their last five visits, and have conceded at least two goals in each.

A defeat on Sunday would mark the first time since September 1982 that Sevilla have lost six consecutive games against Basque sides. The team is expected to play a 4-2-3-1 formation with Dodi Lukebakio in attack for this crucial clash.

Sevilla will have to cope without Marcos do Nascimento Teixeira, who was sent off in the previous match against Valladolid and is suspended for this game.