Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction: Expect a Draw?

One of the matches on Matchday 34 of the Spanish La Liga will be between Villarreal and Athletic. The Castellon side are the clear favourites to win this fixture, and that is because the Basques have not been at their best of late.

The team has picked up seven points in the last three rounds of La Liga. During this period, the Yellows beat Espanyol and Celta and drew 1:1 with Valencia. We also note that both sides have scored in the last six games involving Villarreal. After 33 games, Villarreal is fifth in the La Liga table, seven points behind Real Sociedad. It is doubtful that the Castellonians will be able to catch up with the Basques, but there are still five rounds to go, and they need to try. In addition, Betis still need to hold on to fifth place, with Castellón trailing by two points. Villarreal's home statistics are fifth in the division, +10=2-4, 27:15 goal difference.

While Villarreal has not lost in the last three games, Athletic has not won the previous three meetings, losing twice in this period to Sevilla and Betis and playing a draw away to Mallorca. The results are poor; logically, Athletic have fallen out of the Eurocup competitions, with the Basques in eighth position and behind seventh-placed Girona in second place. Athletic has the sixth-highest away statistics in the division, with 22 points from 16 games. It should be noted that the Basques have not lost in their last five away games, +6=5-5, 23:20 goal difference.

Not an easy match to predict. On the one hand, Villarreal plays well in the hometown area, and they have a three-match unbeaten streak. On the other hand, Athletic have excellent away statistics but are winless in their last three meetings. That said, a draw in the upcoming game could suit Villarreal in terms of standings, as the handicap between their opponents and direct rivals will remain, which means that Castellón will likely finish the tournament in the Europa League competitions. Villarreal's chances of qualifying for the Champions League competitions are minimal. We think the Basques have a good chance of bringing back one point from Villarreal, and we wouldn't be surprised if the upcoming game ends in a draw and the total over (2.5).

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