Football Results

Athletic Bilbao and Leganes had the same number of point last season, occupying positions right above the drop zone. Of course, it was a very disappointing for Athletic as they wanted to reach the European scene, while Leaganes fans weren’t too unhappy as their team stayed in the first division, which was its first objective. Leganes wouldn’t mind the same outcome this season but in Bilbao they want more. Last season Athletic won Leganes 2-0 at the San Mames.

Athletic Bilbao

The only worse thing than Athletic showed last year was to be relegated from La Liga, which would a catastrophe.  Objectively, Athletic wasn’t in true danger of relegation since 14 points separated them from teams in the drop zone, but the position was bad and European positions were even further away than the relegation zone. It means Athletic wants more this season and wants it from the very beginning. There is no obligation in Europe, which is important for team’s freshness.

Manager Berizzo leads the team on its march toward the Europa League and he got several reinforcements but as always Athletic is limited on players born in Basque country. They picked several available players and newcomers to the defence are Capa, Berchice and Gane, so they are stronger in this part of team, but they sold goalkeeper Arrizabalaga for record sum to Chelsea. Goalkeeper Herrein is out of action at the beginning of season and instead of him Remiro must at the goal, which could be a problem.

Probable lineups Athletic Bilbao: Remiro – de Marcos, Yeray, I. Martinez, Y. Berchiche – Dani Garcia, U. Lopez, Muniain, M. Susaeta – Williams, Aduriz

Leganes

Many changes in the team reveal that Leganes wants more in the new season. It didn’t do badly last year but the position where it ended up was the first one above the drop zone.  The first thing to change was manager and Asier Garitan replaced Maricio Pellegrino, while the team underwent really significant changes. Leganes sold Rica to Southampton, which was financially the best transfer this summer, many other players returned to their clubs as their loans expired, while some of them left without compensation.,

It would take long to list all changes and we will focus instead on newcomers. Again, there is number of borrowed players but they recently bought forward En-Nesyri from Malaga, while Arnaiz from Barcelona is replacement for Rica at the left flank. Forward Carrillo came as part trade deal with Southampton, while Rolan will strengthen the attacking part of the team. Several days earlier Leganes signed defenders Omeruo and Nyoma.

Probable lineups Leganes: Serantes – Juanfran, Munoz, Siovas, Raul Garcia – Ruben Perez, Eraso – El-Zhar, Gabriel, Gumbau – Carrillo

Verdict:

Athletic players want to improve impression from previous season and they refresh the team a bit so they should be better although there is problem with goalkeeper. Leganes made a major overhaul and has brought several interesting players but at the beginning it could be not so well coordinated, which is why we give advantage to the home team.

Pick: Athletic Bilbao wins 1.75 - 75/100 @1XBet