Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 31/01/2024, 15:00  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 02/02/2024 at 07:00 in LaLiga Prediction

Athletic Bilbao have the chance to break into La Liga’s top four when they play host to Mallorca on Friday. Going into this game, Bilbao are two points below fourth while Mallorca are four above the relegation zone. Athletic Bilbao failed to build on their key win over Barcelona in Copa del Rey, drawing 0-0 with Cadiz in their last outing. That was the second time in three matches that they failed to score but they are one of the best attacking sides around. With 38 league goals so far, Athletic Bilbao have scored twice Mallorca’s tally. Inaki Williams’ return from AFCON will be a major boost for Bilbao, who have failed to score in the last two league games. Williams’ the team’s top scorer this season, has already shown his worth, playing a part in eliminating Barcelona from the Copa del Rey. The Ghanaian international has two goals in the last four meetings with Mallorca and will be looking to add some more. With their recent league matches having low returns in terms of goals, Bilbao will be banking on the experienced forward. Seven of Mallorca’s last 10 league matches had under 2.5 goals. There’s more reason to be optimistic as they get to play at home. Athletic Bilbao lost their opening home league game, but haven't tasted defeat again at their backyard. They are coming into this game with five straight wins at home in La Liga.

Mallorca will be looking to extend their four-game unbeaten run against Athletic Bilbao when they head to the San Mames Barria. They will however want to add onto their only win in that run, to aid in their race for survival. Mallorca have garnered 20 points from 22 matches so far which places them in danger of being caught up in the red. The visitors have done well in the Copa del Rey in recent times, but they’ve struggled in the league. Their last league outing ended in a 1-0 loss to Real Betis. Sergi Altimira scored the only goal late in the first half to break Mallorca’s five-match unbeaten run, mostly consisting of Copa del Rey fixtures. In La Liga, Mallorca will be searching for their first win in five matches. They lost twice in the last four league games, failing to score in those defeats. The visitors have also failed to keep a clean sheet in five league matches. Their away form is even poorer, failing to win any of their last eight league games on the road. Mallorca have lost five of eight away league matches, and won just one of their last 15.