Athletic Club welcome Atletico Madrid to San Mames on Saturday afternoon after both sides recorded their first away victories of the La Liga season last weekend.
Edin Terzic earned his first competitive win as Athletic coach with a 2-0 success at Celta Vigo. Alex Berenguer and Robert Navarro scored within two first-half minutes, giving the Lions a much-needed response after defeats to Sevilla and Barcelona.
Atletico arrive in Bilbao unbeaten after collecting seven points from their opening three matches. Diego Simeone's side defeated Sevilla 3-1 last time out, with Alex Baena scoring twice during an excellent first-half performance.
Athletic Club vs Atletico Madrid: Key Stats
Atletico Madrid are unbeaten after three league matches, collecting seven points
Simeone's side have scored seven goals and conceded three this season
Athletic recorded their first victory and clean sheet by beating Celta Vigo 2-0
Atletico have won four of the last five meetings between the clubs
The last five head-to-head encounters have all produced a winner
Photo Credit (Imago)
What to Expect
Athletic are expected to press aggressively and use San Mames to increase the tempo. Inaki Williams should continue through the middle, with Berenguer and Robert Navarro attacking from wide positions and Oihan Sancet operating between the lines.
Nico Williams is still building his fitness and may again be used from the bench. Unai Egiluz and Peio Canales are unavailable, while Dani Vivian remains a major doubt. Benat Prados has returned to training and could strengthen Terzic's midfield options.
Atletico can play through Athletic's first press or bypass it with early passes into the channels. Julian Alvarez is back in training but may start among the substitutes, while Alexander Sorloth remains doubtful. Baena could continue as the central attacker, with deadline-day signing Jonathan David available to make his debut.
Predicted Lineups
Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)
Simon; Areso, Paredes, Laporte, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Gerenabarrena; Navarro, Sancet, Berenguer; Inaki Williams
Atletico Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Oblak; Llorente, Romero, Hancko, Grimaldo; Barrios, Hjulmand; Simeone, Kang-in Lee, Lookman; Baena
Players to Watch
Alex Berenguer - The winger opened the scoring at Celta and gives Athletic direct running, intelligent movement and an important set-piece threat. He will test Llorente whenever Atletico's right-back moves forward.
Inaki Williams - Williams impressed as the central striker last weekend. His pace into the channels can stretch Atletico's centre-backs and create room for Sancet to arrive from midfield.
Alex Baena - Baena scored twice against Sevilla and has quickly become an important part of Atletico's fluid attack. His ability to move between the left channel and central areas makes him difficult to track.
Morten Hjulmand - The midfielder provides balance behind Atletico's attacking players. His positioning and press resistance will be crucial against Athletic's aggressive approach at San Mames.
Prediction
Prediction: Atletico Madrid to win @ 2.28
Athletic should be more competitive after their victory at Celta, and San Mames remains a demanding venue. However, Terzic's side have lost two of their first three matches and could again be without Vivian, while Nico Williams is not yet ready for a full game.
Atletico possess greater midfield depth, arrive unbeaten and demonstrated their counterattacking quality by establishing a three-goal lead at Sevilla before half time. Having won four of the last five meetings, Simeone's side are the stronger selection. A 2-1 Atletico Madrid victory is the preferred scoreline.