Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao: Betting Odds & Prediction

Athletic Bilbao head to Atletico Madrid knowing a win will see them overtake their opponents on Saturday afternoon. 

Madrid sit three points clear in fourth but Bilbao boast a slightly better goal difference heading into the fixture. The two sides have already met on three occasions this season, with Bilbao winning all three without conceding a single goal. Kick-off is set for 8pm UK time at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano. 

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Atletico Madrid 

Diego Simeone's side's form has wobbled in recent weeks, registering just two in their last six in all competitions. The run has seen them bow out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage and also lose three of their last five in La Liga. 

Nevertheless, Atletico boast the second-best home record in the division, behind league leaders Real Madrid, and have won six of their last seven league matches on home turf. An average of 2.31 goals scored far exceeds the 1.38 they've managed in away fixtures, and Atletico have only failed to score in one home match this term. 

However, while the 1.19 they've conceded isn't awful, the twelve they've shipped in their last six outings in all competitions will be a concern. Some solace can be taken from Bilbao's poor scoring record in away fixtures, though. 

Athletic Bilbao

Ernesto Valverde's men head to the Spanish capital unbeaten in seven of their last eight in all competitions, buoyed by their lifting of the Copa del Rey trophy for the 25th time with a penalties win over Mallorca earlier this month. Bilbao aren't just settling for their first major trophy in 40 years though, as they begin to set their sights on a top four finish for the first time since 2014. 

Bilbao have been largely reliant on their home form in La Liga though, averaging 2.24 points per game compared to only 1.33 in away fixtures. While their defensive record has been consistent regardless of the venue, goals have been very hard to come by on the road. An average of 2.24 scored at home compares with a dismal 0.93 in away matches, resulting in their failure to score in seven away outings so far this campaign. 

Such a record is hardly convincing as they prepare to face the second best home side in the division.

Prediction

This match could prove vital in determining which side fills the final Champions League qualification slot in La Liga.

Atletico will need to regain their form if they are to secure three points this weekend, but their dominance on home turf coupled with Bilbao's alarming inability to find the net on the road surely makes a home win the sensible pick. 

OddsNow's Pick: Atletico Madrid to win (Evens @ 888sport)