Monday 14/04/2014, 22:00, Spain Primera Division, Round 33, Athletic Bilbao vs Malaga
Athletic Bilbao vs Malaga Betting Preview
Two years ago Malaga was fighting for a place in the Champions League, while Athletic Bilbao failed to earn a Europa League berth. Much has changed since then and without foreign money pouring into their bank accounts, the hosts are nothing more than a pale shadow of their former selves. The hosts will make a final push in the remaining rounds, in an attempt of consolidating their position ahead of red-hot Sevilla.
Athletic Bilbao vs Malaga Betting Odds
At Bet365
Athletic Bilbao 1.40, Draw 4.50 Malaga 8.00
Athletic Bilbao vs Malaga Betting Tips
Athletic Bilbao made a giant leap forward one week ago by winning all three points at Levante, but their closest rivals are still within striking distance. It should be merely a formality to win at home over Malaga, which lacks motivation and will be without seven players.
The midfield was decimated by injuries and the fact that two more players will be missing after receiving a red card, will further complicate Malaga's mission. While the offensive remains more or less intact, fielding three strikers against Athletic Bilbao is a big no-no and a risk that Schuster is unwilling to take.
Santa-Cruz will pair-up with El Hamdaoui, but the aging strikers are unlikely to last for 90 min. and at least one will be replaced by half time. Juanmi and Samu are the young players that Malaga will be relying on in the upcoming seasons and their presence upfront shouldn't be underestimated. The visitors are anxiously waiting for the end of the regular season and with so many absentees in the starting formation, there is very little that Schuster can do.
By comparison, Athletic Bilbao will stick to the same starting formation that helped them win the last game on the road. The hosts have five players injured, including strikers Ibai and Sola, but the Basques never have a problem in replacing forwards. Aduriz scored twice in the last match and with Muniain and De Marcos next to him, he will be more than a match for Malaga's defense.
Key Facts
- Gurpegi, Ekiza and Rico have joined the two strikers on the disabled list, but all three of them are day to day and should return by the end of the month.
- Malaga won a single match at Athletic Bilbao in the last 10 years, yet scored 15 goals in 12 matches while allowing 19.
Athletic Bilbao vs Malaga Betting Prediction
By all accounts, this should be a one-sided match with Athletic Bilbao steamrolling past their depleted and unmotivated opponents. The odds for a home win are too short to consider, so the better choice would be to bet on more than 2.5 goals to be scored.
Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.80 with Bet365
