Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves preview, prediction, head-to-head, team news, possible line-ups, and betting tips

Adesoji Michael

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4 Minutes Read
September 12, 2025

A fierce and passionate Basque derby is set to take place at the magnificent San Mamés stadium as Athletic Bilbao locks horns with Deportivo Alavés. These games are always more than just about the three points; they are battles for regional pride, played with an intensity that electrifies the crowd. Athletic Bilbao, with their formidable record at home, will be strong favourites to claim victory and give their supporters the bragging rights. Alavés, however, are known for their grit and battling spirit, and they will relish the opportunity to silence the home crowd and cause an upset.

This match preview will delve into the statistics and nuances of this historic rivalry. While Bilbao possesses the superior squad and a fortress-like home ground, derbies have a way of levelling the playing field. For bettors, this fixture is a classic case of a powerful home favourite against a determined and dogged underdog in a match where passion can often defy form and logic.

Athletic Bilbao Vs Alaves match preview/Betting preview

Team Recent Form

Athletic Bilbao: WDWLW

Alaves: LLDWL

Key stats

Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten in their last 11 home games against Alavés in all competitions, a run stretching back over two decades.
This is traditionally a low-scoring fixture, with under 2.5 goals being a feature in nine of the last 11 meetings between the two sides.
Alavés have struggled to find the net away from home, failing to score in three of their last four La Liga away matches.

A correct score prediction for this match is Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Alaves. The San Mamés factor is a huge advantage for Athletic, who transform into a dominant force in front of their own fans. Their high-pressing, energetic style is perfectly suited to overwhelm an Alavés side that has found goals hard to come by on their travels. While Alavés will be defensively organised and fight for every ball, the quality of players like Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet should eventually break down their resistance, leading to a controlled and comfortable home victory.

Athletic Bilbao Vs Alaves H2H

Athletic Bilbao have a dominant home record in this fixture, having not lost to Alavés at San Mamés since 2005.
The last six encounters between the two teams have produced just seven goals in total, highlighting the cagey nature of the derby.
Athletic Bilbao have kept a clean sheet in eight of their last 11 home matches against Alavés.
The corresponding fixture last season ended in a comfortable 2-0 win for Athletic Bilbao.

Pre-game Odds

Home: 1.55
Draw: 3.90
Away: 6.50

(Odds are subject to change)

Team News Home

Athletic’s manager Ernesto Valverde has a couple of key decisions to make. Central defender Yeray Álvarez is a doubt with a recurring muscle issue, which could see Aitor Paredes continue to partner Daniel Vivian at the back. Midfielder Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested last week. The formidable forward line, including the Williams brothers and Gorka Guruzeta, is fully fit.

Team News Away

Alavés coach Luis García Plaza will be without his influential central defender, Abdel Abqar, who is serving a suspension following a red card in their last game. His absence is a significant blow to their defensive solidity. Striker Samu Omorodion, who has been their main goal threat, is expected to shake off a minor knock to lead the line in what will be a challenging solo role.