Athletic Bilbao vs Sporting Lisbon: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview

Athletic Bilbao is set to host Sporting Lisbon at San Mames on Wednesday, as both teams aim to enhance their standing in the Champions League. The Basque club currently occupies 23rd place, while Sporting Lisbon sits at 10th, making for a highly competitive matchup.

Match Overview

Athletic Bilbao started their league campaign with three losses in the first four matches, managing only one win. However, they have shown improvement recently, remaining unbeaten in their last three Champions League outings, winning once and drawing twice. Their latest match was a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atalanta, where goals from Gorka Guruzeta, Nico Serrano, and Robert Navarro turned the game around after a first-half deficit.

A win this Wednesday could secure Athletic a top-24 finish. Despite their strong European record at home, winning seven of their last ten UEFA matches at San Mames, their recent domestic form has been shaky, with three losses in their last six home games across all competitions.

Athletic Bilbao Recent Form

• Last 12 Matches: 4 Wins, 6 Losses, 2 Draws
• Last Match: Lost 2-1 to Sevilla

Sporting Lisbon’s Challenge

Sporting Lisbon comes into this match sitting second in the Primeira Liga, trailing Porto by seven points. They have won their last three matches, including a 2-1 victory against Arouca, where Luis Suarez scored both goals, showing his form after previously netting a brace against Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite a strong home record in the Champions League, Sporting has struggled in away matches this season, remaining winless in three attempts (one draw, two losses). Historically, the club has yet to win any of their 14 previous UEFA visits to Spain, with ten of those being losses.

Sporting Lisbon Recent Form

• Last 3 Matches: 3 Wins
• Last Match: Won 2-1 against Arouca

Team News

Athletic Bilbao is contending with several injury concerns, with Inaki Williams, Maroan Sannadi, Benat Prados, Unai Egiluz, and Aymeric Laporte ruled out. Mikel Jauregizar Alboniga will miss the game due to yellow card accumulation, while Gorka Guruzeta returns after suspension.

Sporting Lisbon shares a similar struggle, missing Fotis Ioannidis, Eduardo Quaresma, Nuno Santos, and Geovany Quenda due to injuries. New signing Luis Guilherme is also ineligible for the league phase.

Predicted Lineups

Athletic Bilbao

• Simon; Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Vesga, Galarreta; Navarro, Sancet, Williams; Guruzeta

Sporting Lisbon

• Silva; Fresneda, Inacio, Reis, Mangas; Simoes, Hjulmand; Catamo, Trincao, Araujo; Suarez

Prediction

This matchup has historically favored Athletic Bilbao, with all prior competitive meetings ending in home victories. Given their current motivation to secure a win for a better playoff chance, the support from a packed San Mames could provide them with a crucial advantage. The anticipated scoreline is Athletic Bilbao 2, Sporting Lisbon 1.