Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia Prediction, Match preview and Lineups — 10 May 2026
On May 10, 2026, in Matchday 35 of La Liga, Athletic Bilbao will host Valencia. Let’s take a closer look at the potential outcome of this clash.
Match preview
Athletic Bilbao come into this match after an impressive 4-2 away victory against Alavés. Overall, however, the team’s recent form has been rather inconsistent, with three wins and three defeats in their last six matches.
In the league standings, Athletic currently sit in 8th place and remain involved in the battle for European qualification spots. They are only three points behind 6th place, which keeps their hopes very much alive heading into the final stage of the season.
At home, Bilbao have been fairly solid this campaign, recording 9 wins, 2 draws, and 6 defeats. However, that is only the ninth-best home record in the league, showing a certain lack of consistency throughout the season. The team have also alternated wins and losses quite frequently in recent weeks. Despite their recent attacking display against Alavés, Athletic’s home matches have generally remained controlled, with all of their last six home league games producing three goals or fewer.
Looking at home meetings against Valencia, Athletic hold a strong advantage. They are unbeaten in their last six home matches against this opponent. Most of these encounters have also been low-scoring, with 5 of the last 6 meetings finishing under 2.5 goals. In addition, Athletic managed to keep a clean sheet in 3 of the last 4 home matches against Valencia.
Valencia are going through a difficult period. In their last five matches, the team have managed just one victory, along with one draw and three defeats.
In their most recent game, Valencia lost at home to Atlético Madrid, despite Atlético rotating heavily and not using their strongest lineup. That defeat cost Valencia valuable points. The team currently sit in 12th place in the standings, only three points above the relegation zone, which makes every remaining match extremely important.
Defensively, Valencia have struggled recently, conceding goals in five consecutive matches. However, despite those defensive issues, their games have generally remained low-scoring, with 5 of their last 7 matches finishing under 2.5 goals. One of Valencia’s biggest attacking problems this season has been their slow starts, with the team scoring the fewest first-half goals in La Liga before this round.
Looking at the head-to-head record, Valencia have struggled against Athletic Bilbao in recent years. Valencia have managed only two wins in the last ten meetings, while two matches ended in draws and Athletic celebrated six victories.
Matches between these teams are usually quite cautious and lacking in goals. Four of the last five meetings finished under 2.5 goals, and in four of those five matches only one team managed to score. Given the importance of the points for both sides, another tactically cautious encounter could be expected here.
Probable Lineups
- Athletic Bilbao: Simon, Yuri, Laporte, Yeray, Gorosabel, Ruiz Inigo, Rego, N.Williams, Sancet, Navarro, Guruzeta
- Valencia: Dimitrievski, Gaya, Pepelu, Tarrega, Saravia, Ugrinic, Rodriguez, Guerra, Rioja, Ramazani, Sadiq
Key Facts and Head-to-Head
- Valencia have failed to win in 4 of their last 5 matches.
- 5 of Valencia’s last 6 away matches have seen under 2.5 goals.
- Athletic Bilbao have won 3 of the last 4 head-to-head meetings.
- 4 of the last 5 head-to-head meetings have seen under 2.5 goals.
Prediction
Both teams come into this match with strong motivation for the final stage of the season. Athletic Bilbao are still fighting for European qualification, while Valencia continue to battle to stay clear of the relegation zone. Recent matches involving both teams have generally been cautious and low-scoring, and the head-to-head meetings between these sides show the same pattern. Athletic have also been very strong against Valencia at home in recent years. Athletic’s recent home games have consistently stayed under high goal totals, while Valencia continue to struggle offensively, especially in the early stages of matches. That combination naturally points toward a slower and more controlled game script. Considering the importance of the points, the defensive approach both sides are likely to take, and the consistent trend of low-scoring meetings between these teams, this match looks likely to be tactical and careful rather than open and attacking. With neither side able to afford a costly mistake at this stage of the season, the tempo of the game could remain cautious for long periods, further supporting a low-scoring outcome. Recommended bet: Under 2.5 goals — 1.77
