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Almeria vs Athletic Club predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as the hosts target a much needed home win in their race for survival.
| Date | Saturday 22nd April 2023 |
| Kick-Off | 16:15 (CEST) |
| Stadium | Power Horse Stadium |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Almeria vs Athletic Club Preview
Almeria take on Athletic Club this weekend at the Power Horse Stadium. It’s a match that will have an impact on both the relegation battle and race for Europe and it promises to be a good watch as many Almeria games do tend to be.
That’s as much a reflection on their struggles defensively as anything else, but they have competed well all season in front of their own fans. Indeed their ability to take 26 points from 15 home games, a return bettered by only six teams, is the only reason they are even still in a position to talk about playing top flight football again next term. Their away form has been atrocious and ominously, 5 of their final 8 games are away which adds even more pressure on this one.
They did win a crucial six-pointer against Valencia in their last game at the Power Horse but this will be much tougher. They are hampered by a suspension to Largie Ramazani while El Bilal Toure’s absence continues to be felt. They do have other goal threats though with Luis Suarez doing a decent job of leading the line while the likes of Leo Baptistao and Gonzalo Melero are also capable of chipping in with a goal.
As for Athletic, they travel here in good form with 10 points from their last 4 league games. They will strongly back themselves to finish at least 7th from this position, which will be good enough for Conference League football should Real Madrid beat Osasuna in the Copa del Rey Final. A good run of form though could yet propel them into a Europa League position and a win here would be a big step in the right direction.
Athletic beat local rivals Real Sociedad last weekend with Inaki Williams bagging a brace. He’s in fine form right now and is likely to be the main go-to man for the visitors. It’s an Athletic side that will be without Dani Garcia and Iker Muniain here, although the latter hasn’t been a regular this season in any case with Oihan Sancet usually employed as the most advanced midfielder.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Almeria
| INJURED | Toure, Mendes |
| DOUBTFUL | Akieme, Pozo |
| BANNED | Ramazani |
Possible XI: Fernando – Centelles, Babic, Ely, Chumi – Robertone, Melero, Samu – Baptistao, Luis Suarez, Puigmal (4-3-3)
Coach: Rubi
Athletic Club
| INJURED | Muniain, Morcillo |
| DOUBTFUL | Lekue |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Simon – Yuri, Inigo Martinez, Yeray, De Marcos – Vesga, Herrera – N. Williams, Sancet, I. Williams – Guruzeta (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Ernesto Valverde
Score Prediction: Almeria 1-2 Athletic Club
Almeria are usually competitive at home but four of the top six have managed to win here and Athletic will fancy their chances of having a bit too much for their lowly opponents. Defensively, you certainly fear for this Almeria side with the Williams brothers likely to operate on the two flanks and provide much of the threat for Athletic.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
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