While both teams are comfortably sat in mid-table, a strong run of results could push them towards the European places in La Liga.
The history books suggest Bilbao could struggle this weekend, as they have won just one of their last eight games against Valencia in La Liga, but Los Che are not the force they once were and after a firesale in the summer, they are still rebuilding.
Bilbao have won three of their last five at the San Mames and they have lost just three of their previous nine at home, highlighting their strength on home soil.
Valencia travel to Bilbao on the back of successive away defeats, losing to Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, although Javi Gracia’s side have scored in seven of their last eight and a home win and both teams to score is tempting at odds of 33/10.
Zidane Back in the Dugout and Ready to Fight
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane came out firing during Friday’s press conference, demanding more respect from the press.
Zidane feels his team deserves the chance to fight for the title, with most of the Spanish media writing off their chances after last week’s 2-1 defeat to Levante.
That setback means Madrid are 10 points behind rivals Atletico, who have a game in hand and are seemingly easing to the title.
Zidane’s side travel to Huesca on Saturday and even though his squad is heavily affected by injuries, Los Blancos should have too much for the team sitting bottom of the table.
Huesca have not scored in their last three matches at home, while Madrid have only failed to score in two of their previous 15 away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid are not the team they once were, but an away win to nil is 27/20 this weekend.
Atletico Can Move Closer to the Title
Simeone’s men are not in action until Monday when they welcome Celta Vigo to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.
While both Madrid and Barcelona will be looking to cut the gap at the top, Atletico will be supremely confident their 10-point cushion will be restored at the start of next week.
First win of 2021
First win since Abelardo's return
@alaveseng leapfrog Real Valladolid to move out of the relegation zone in #LaLigaSantander!#LiveStandings pic.twitter.com/clbf4u0pao
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 5, 2021
Simeone’s side are unbeaten in eight in the league, while they have also not lost in eight to Celta at home.
Monday’s fixture couldn’t come at a worse time for Celta, with Eduardo Coudet’s side without a win in five. They have also not won in five on their travels and an Atletico win to nil at 6/4 looks the bet of the weekend in Spain.
*All odds correct at time of writing
