Athletic Bilbao vs Elche prediction: teams form analysis, possible lineups on September 12, 2026
In the 5th round of La Liga on September 12, 2026, Athletic Bilbao will face Elche. The home side will be looking to secure victory.
Athletic Bilbao vs Elche team news and expert analysis
The Bilbao club had a disappointing campaign last season, failing to reach the Champions League play-offs and dropping to twelfth place domestically. After that, Valverde was replaced by Terzic, but he began his spell in Spain with defeats against Sevilla and Barcelona. His new charges then finally secured a victory, beating Celta 2-0 away from home. They followed that up with an even more convincing 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid.
The side from Manuel Martinez Valero returned from the Segunda and collected 43 points in 2025/2026, enough to finish fifteenth on the additional criteria — although everyone remembers that relegated Mallorca had 42. The new campaign began with a draw against fellow newcomers Deportivo. They then lost to both Barcelona and Racing. Against Real Sociedad, they suffered another 2-3 defeat.
The Basques are scoring 1.5 goals per game while conceding 1.25. Last season's newcomers are averaging just 1.25 goals scored per match while conceding three.
Head to Head matches: Athletic Bilbao vs Elche
Athletic Bilbao have won three of their last five meetings, including the most recent encounter in February, suffering just one defeat during that run.
The hosts are picking up momentum. We expect them to beat an opponent of this calibre with a -1-goal handicap (odds – 1.61).
Athletic Bilbao vs Elche: key statistics and trends
- Athletic Bilbao have won two matches in a row
- 25% of Athletic Bilbao's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.75 goals per game
- Elche have lost three matches in a row
- 75% of Elche's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 4.25 goals per game
Athletic Bilbao vs Elche: Possible starting lineups
Athletic Bilbao play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Unai Simon - Balenziaga, Laporte, Paredes, Areso - Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta - Sancet, Navarro, Berenguer - I. Williams
Elche play in a 1-5-4-1 formation (possible lineup): Matias Dituro - Valera, Sangare, Bigas, Chust, Affengruber - Hori, Aguado, Villar, Buonanotte - Nino
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