Bilbao’s squad has recorded 4 defeats and a draw in their last 5 matches, and if they didn’t start out with 3 wins they would already be at the bottom of the tables. The alarms are all set off and a big pressure is already being felt by coach Caparros to change something as soon as possible, and get them back to the right path. The situation surely didn’t improve after the loss in the cup to Vallecano, especially cause they did have a lot of regulars in the lineup. Capparos says that the team will surely start playing better soon and adds that he doesn’t understand why his players are playing a lot better in the Europa League than in Primera. The good news is that horrible Atletico is arriving to their ground, a team that has their worst start in the league in the past few decades. However, Capparos is calling out for caution as he respects the individual quality of the Madridians. Ocio, Yeste and Velez won’t be on the team, while De Cerio will probably miss out. The lineup will most probably look the following: Iraizoz; Iraola, Amorebieta, Ustaritz, Koikili; Susaeta, Orbaiz, Javi Martinez, de Marcos; Llorente, Toquero.
New coach
After the real crash of Atletico at the start of the new season, the board had to react and hire the new coach. Abel Resino was fired to their fan’s satisfaction, and former Benfica and Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores was brought as his replacement. Everybody expects things to get changed to better, and one of the reasons is that it can’t get any worse than this. Atletico has got some really excellent individuals, they seem totally disjointed as a team. The defense is still their biggest problems, and it’s simply incredible how easily they concede goals. They conceded the most goals of all Primera teams, and it remains to be seen how Flores will deal with this problem. Despite the fact the defense is catastrophic; the offense is also not performing at the last season’s level. Aguero and Forlan have scored only 5 goals in total and will have to drastically improve their efficiency if they want their team to get out of the bottom part of the tables. Flores has made a successful debut against Marbella in the cup, saying he is hoping for another win this Saturday. The health situation is good. Perea has recovered from an injury, and Forlan will also take his spot from the minute one. The following eleven have been announced: Asenjo; Perea, Ujfalusi, Juanito, Antonio Lopez; Maxi Rodriguez, Raul Garcia, Assuncao, Simao; Aguero, Forlan.
Exciting
I expect an exciting match between the two wounded lions. Both sides are in deep crisis and the points are necessary for them. We’ll see who will deal with the pressure better, and exactly that factor could be the key at this match. Final outcome is really hard to predict, but I justifiedly expect lots of goals at this match. The defenses are a lot weaker part of both teams, and it’s hard to believe they can improve significantly over such a short period of time. So all in all, the offenses will be dominating and I expect both nets will shake a lot. The over 2.75 seems very probable, while higher totals could also be worth trying.
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Prediction:
Tip: Over 2.75
Odd: 2.01
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 8 /10
Tipster: Kather
