Athletic vs Alavés prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
On September 19, 2026, Athletic and Alavés will meet in the seventh round of Spain’s La Liga. Both sides will be looking to give their fans another reason to celebrate.
Athletic vs Alavés team news and expert analysis
After a couple of strong seasons, the Bilbao club endured a disappointing campaign last term, missing out on the Champions League playoffs and finishing just 12th in La Liga. As a result, Valverde stepped down as head coach, with Terzić brought in as his replacement. He began his spell in Spain with a couple of defeats, but then led his side to away victory over Celta and a home win against Atlético, with his players keeping clean sheets in both games! However, they could only draw 1-1 with Elche afterward. And this week, the match against Levante did not take place.
The Vitoria-based team was forced to change coaches at the start of spring. Kike Sánchez Flores ultimately guided them to safety, as they finished 14th with 43 points (Mallorca were relegated after collecting just one point fewer). In the new season, his side dropped points only away to Rayo Vallecano in the opening stretch, drawing that match while winning their home games. But they have clearly hit a downturn now, suffering consecutive defeats to Racing and Valencia.
Athletic are currently averaging 1.4 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per game. The league’s surprise package are scoring 1.83 goals per match while conceding exactly one.
Previous meetings: Athletic vs Alavés
A year ago, Alavés ended an eight-match winless run in official competition. But in May, they lost at home to their opponents from Bilbao.
The Basque side are not in their best form, but they will be playing at home against an opponent whose momentum has faded. Our pick is "home win" (odds – 1.66).
Athletic vs Alavés: key statistics and trends
- Athletic have won two of their last three matches
- 40% of Athletic’s matches feature goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.6 goals per game
- Alavés have lost two matches in a row
- 50% of Alavés’ matches feature goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.83 goals per game
Athletic vs Alavés: possible starting lineups
Athletic play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Simón - Berchiche, Laporte, Paredes, Areso - Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta - Sancet, Navarro, Berenguer - I. Williams
Alavés play in a 1-3-5-2 formation (possible lineup): Sivera - Castro, Kouski, Tenaglia - Rebbach, Aleñá, Blanco, Ibáñez, Pérez Hidalgo - Díaz, Boyé
Keep an eye on the La Liga table and check your team’s current form before placing a bet on the next match
