Athletic Bilbao - Elche: An easy win for Athletic? Prediction - September 12, 2026
In the fifth round of the Spanish La Liga, we will see a clash between Athletic Bilbao and Elche. The game will take place on Saturday, September 12, kick off at 18:30 CET, and I am offering a bet on it.
Athletic Bilbao - Elche: Match preview
Last season, the Basques had a less successful campaign and finished 12th, collecting 43 points from 38 rounds. The Basques also parted ways with their legendary manager: Ernesto Valverde left the team after several successful seasons. Edin Terzic became the new manager, but he has made an inconsistent start to the season. Bilbao initially lost their first two matches: 1-3 to Sevilla and 0-2 to Barcelona. However, Athletic have won their last two games, beating Celta Vigo 2-0 and Atletico Madrid 3-0. Six points from two matches and a situation that can inspire optimism.
Last season, Elche only just managed to survive. They collected just two points fewer than Athletic Bilbao did last season. The team picked up 43 points and finished just one point ahead of Mallorca, who have already been relegated. The situation has not been particularly good in the new season. Elche initially drew 1-1 with Deportivo, but then suffered defeats to Barcelona 0-5, Racing 2-3 and Real Sociedad 2-3. One point from four matches and a place at the bottom of the table. On top of that, Elche currently have the worst defence, having conceded 12 goals, which is not a good trend.
Match facts and H2H
- Athletic Bilbao have won their last two matches.
- Elche have not won in four consecutive matches: one draw and three defeats.
- Elche currently have the worst defence, with 12 goals conceded.
- Elche have conceded at least three goals per match in three consecutive games.
- Athletic Bilbao beat Elche 2-1 in their last head-to-head meeting.
Probable line-ups
- Athletic Bilbao: Simon; Areso, Alvarez, Laporte, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Gerenabarrena; Navarro, Sancet, N Williams; I Williams
- Elche: Dituro; Sangare, Chust, Bigas; Morente, Buonanotte, Morcillo, Villar, Valera; Ponce, Nino
Prediction
Athletic Bilbao are in decent form at the moment and have started to turn things around compared with their first two rounds. I am offering a bet on the Basques to win this game. The odds for this outcome are 1.43.
