The Basques face another test against one of the favourites: Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid prediction
The fourth-round La Liga match between Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid will take place on 5 September at San Mamés in Bilbao. The hosts have collected three points from three matches, while Diego Simeone's side have seven points and sit third in the table.
Athletic Bilbao: first victory after a poor start
Edin Terzić's side began the season with defeats to Sevilla 3-1 and Barcelona 2-0. The Basques managed to turn things around in the previous round, beating Celta Vigo 2-0 away thanks to goals from Álex Berenguer and Robert Navarro.
Athletic have traditionally been capable of making life difficult for Madrid at home. The Basques beat Atletico 1-0 on their own ground last season, although they have lost four of the last five head-to-head meetings overall.
Atletico Madrid: consistent start and a strengthened squad
Atletico began the league campaign with a 2-0 victory over Malaga, then drew 2-2 with Villarreal before beating Sevilla 3-1. Simeone's side therefore remain unbeaten and have collected seven points from a possible nine.
Madrid strengthened their squad in the summer with the signings of Morten Hjulmand, Lee Kang-in, Cristian Romero, Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David. In addition, Julián Álvarez has already returned to training and could be included in the squad for the match.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Atletico are unbeaten in their opening three league matches and have collected seven points.
- Athletic have lost four of their last five matches against the Madrid side.
- The Basques beat Atletico 1-0 at San Mamés last season.
The visitors look more consistent at the start: Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid prediction
Athletic are capable of making this a very difficult match thanks to home advantage and their compact play without the ball. However, based on current form and squad depth, Simeone's side hold a slight edge.
Madrid have started the season more consistently and are making better use of their chances, while the Basques are only beginning to reach the required level. In what could be a tight contest, a single goal may well decide the outcome.
