Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona: La Liga betting tips and preview

Eleven Sports, 7.45pm Sunday

Ernesto Valverde spent four years in the hotseat at the San Mames Stadium and his Barcelona side could be in for a challenging evening against Bilbao upon his return.

There is a question over the fitness of Lionel Messi, who started on the bench against Real Madrid in their midweek Copa del Rey semi-final, and key defender Samuel Umtiti remains sidelined.

The fixtures are coming thick and fast for the Catalan giants, who have a Champions League last-16 clash with Lyon and back-to-back El Clasicos in the league and cup coming up.

La Liga standings

Bilbao have created some breathing space between themselves and the relegation places with January wins over Real Betis, Sevilla and Celta Vigo and they will aim to make life difficult for the Blaugrana.

They have lost just twice at home this season and have conceded only 12 goals in front of their own fans this season - fewer than Barcelona (15) and Betis (14).

Barcelona are the fiercest side in La Liga when at full strength but they have struggled to plug the gap alongside Gerard Pique in Umtiti's absence, going 2-0 behind in their draw with Valencia and also shipping in games against Sevilla, Levante, Leganes and Getafe last month.

Valverde saw Barca held 1-1 by his former side at the Camp Nou earlier this season and, with the threat of relegation looming over them, Los Leones could grab at least a point against the leaders.

Recommendation
Bilbao & draw double chance
1pt 6-5 bet365

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Sevilla v Eibar

Eleven Sports, 5.30pm

Sevilla have claimed maximum points in seven of their ten home league games this term, which includes a 3-0 drubbing of Real Madrid, and a visit from a travel-sick Eibar should prove a routine task for them.

The shot-shy visitors have failed to score in six of their ten road trips and the long haul to Seville is unlikely to see them at their best.

Aaron Ashley's recommendation
Sevilla
3pts 4-6 general

Key stat
Sevilla have won their last three home meetings with Eibar without conceding.

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Valencia v Real Sociedad

Eleven Sports, 3.15pm

Valencia approach the weekend on a high after coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg away to Betis. But they may have to settle for an unsatisfactory stalemate against Sociedad at the Mestalla.

Too many draws - 12 in 22 La Liga games - have frustrated Valencia but another looks quite possible against Sociedad, who haven't lost in 2019.

Dan Childs's recommendation
Draw
1pt 13-5 general

Key stat
Sociedad are unbeaten in their last seven games.

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Leganes v Betis

Eleven Sports, 11am

Betis are among a clutch of clubs in the hunt for a top-four finish and they can boost their chances with an away win at Leganes.

It has been a busy time for Betis, who drew 2-2 at home to Valencia on Thursday in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, but they still have plenty to play for in the league and may just be superior to their relegation-threatened hosts.

Dan Childs's recommendation
Real Betis
1pt 13-5 bet365

Key stat
Betis have lost one of their last seven matches.

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

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