Athletic Club vs Elche

Athletic Club enters this fixture with mixed recent form, having won two of their last five league matches. Their most recent outing saw them secure a crucial 2-1 victory away at Oviedo, demonstrating character to come from behind. At home, they've been more reliable, including an impressive 4-2 victory over Levante that showcased their attacking potential. However, defensive vulnerabilities remain evident, as seen in their Copa del Rey elimination to Real Sociedad. The absence of key players like Nico Williams and Alex Berenguer significantly impacts their attacking options. Mikel Jauregizar and Beñat Prados are also sidelined with knee injuries, limiting midfield depth. Despite these setbacks, Athletic's home record remains solid, and they'll be motivated by their need for European qualification points.

Elche's recent form reflects their precarious league position, managing just one win in their last five matches. Their goalless draw with Osasuna showed defensive improvement but highlighted ongoing attacking struggles. The 3-1 defeat to Real Sociedad exposed their vulnerability against quality opposition, while the 1-3 loss to Barcelona demonstrated the gap in class against top teams. Positively, they secured a valuable 4-0 home victory over Rayo Vallecano, proving they can deliver when needed. Away from home, Elche has struggled significantly, managing just three wins all season on the road. Key injuries to Grady Diangana and Hector Fort weaken their already limited squad depth. Their survival hopes depend on improving their away form, making this trip to Bilbao absolutely crucial for their relegation battle.