- Atletico Madrid uncertain about Lookman's fitness for Athletic Bilbao clash.
- Atletico's recent form shows four consecutive losses, but they're still in the top four.
- Bilbao aim for European qualification, with both teams tending to have high-scoring matches.
Atletico Madrid faces a critical La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao, with uncertainties around Ademola Lookman's fitness due to an adductor injury. Coming off four consecutive losses, Atletico, who held a strong home streak, need to regain confidence before their Champions League semi-final. Currently fourth, they aren't yet in immediate danger of losing their top-four spot. Conversely, Bilbao aims to capitalize on their recent win over Osasuna, targeting a European spot. Both teams' games have frequently seen over 2.5 goals, expecting a high-scoring encounter.
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
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Atletico Madrid are sweating over the fitness of Ademola Lookman ahead of Saturday's Spanish La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Following the disappointment of their Copa del Rey final loss, the hosts are hoping to arrest their recent slump. Bilbao, meanwhile, will look to build on their recent victory as they chase a European spot.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid could be without Lookman for a second straight match as the Nigerian continues to recover from an adductor injury. He was absent from their shock 3-2 defeat at relegation-battling Elche in midweek.
Diego Simeone's men are fourth in the table and are on a run of four successive losses in all competitions. But they are not in danger of dropping out of the top four yet, as they hold an eight-point cushion over fifth. They must quickly regain their footing, having won just three of their last 10 matches, scoring in each of those games and keeping only two clean sheets.
This fixture comes at a key period for Atleti, who are gearing up for a crucial Champions League semi-final against Arsenal. Although they have lost their last two home games, a previous run of six straight victories at the Metropolitano could provide them with much-needed confidence going into this one. Atleti's attacking form and defensive frailties have ensured their matches are high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals recorded in eight of their last 10.
Athletic Bilbao News
Athletic Bilbao are gradually returning to full strength for the run-in, with the Williams brothers among those back from injury. They secured a narrow 1-0 win over Osasuna in midweek, despite finishing the match with 10 men.
That result lifted the Basque side to ninth in the table, just three points off the top six. They head into this clash with four wins from their last 10 matches, although a return of just two victories in their last eight suggests inconsistency remains an issue for the Lions.
Ernesto Valverde’s side have scored in six of their last 10 matches but have managed only one clean sheet in that period, highlighting a lack of defensive solidity. Their away form is also a concern, with Bilbao winless in their last four league matches on the road, including losing the last three. However, their away fixtures have been open, with over 2.5 goals recorded in seven of their last 10.
Head to Head
There is little to separate these two sides based on recent meetings, with both Atleti and Bilbao claiming five wins each from their last 10 encounters. However, the Basque side edged the most recent clash, securing a 1-0 victory in December.
Verdict
Atletico Madrid v Athletic Club
Atleti have scored in each of their last 10 games, while Bilbao have found the net in six of theirs. This means backing goals at both ends is a solid option.
Expect an open contest in this one, as over 2.5 goals have been produced in eight of Atleti's last 10 and seven of Bilbao's last 10 away games. Atleti have won their last three home league matches in this matchup, making another victory for the hosts very likely.
Total Goals
Verdict
Atleti have scored in each of their last 10 games, while Bilbao have found the net in six of theirs. This means backing goals at both ends is a solid option.
Expect an open contest in this one, as over 2.5 goals have been produced in eight of Atleti's last 10 and seven of Bilbao's last 10 away games. Atleti have won their last three home league matches in this matchup, making another victory for the hosts very likely.
Total Goals
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