Athletic Club vs Espanyol: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Bwin's detailed preview for Athletic Club vs Espanyol in the La Liga. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 20:00 GMT match.

• Fixture: Athletic Club vs Espanyol
• Date: Monday, 22 December 2025
• Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
• Venue: Estadio de San Mamés

Athletic Club's recent form has been inconsistent, with two losses in their last five games, including a heavy defeat against Barcelona. However, their home win over Atletico Madrid suggests they can be competitive, especially with their predicted 4-2-3-1 formation, which could exploit Espanyol's defensive vulnerabilities. The absence of key players like Laporte might affect their defensive solidity, but the attacking trio of Berenguer, Sancet, and Williams could pose a significant threat.

Espanyol, on the other hand, have been in excellent form, winning four out of their last five matches. Their 4-4-2 setup has been effective, with Garcia and Roberto (If fit) leading the line and providing a solid attacking threat. Despite their recent loss to Villarreal, Espanyol's consistency and defensive resilience could make this a closely contested match.

Match Prediction: Athletic Club 1-1 Espanyol

Athletic Club's recent form has been mixed, with two wins and three losses in their last five games. Their home victory against Atletico Madrid shows they can perform well against strong opposition, but heavy defeats to Real Madrid and Barcelona indicate vulnerabilities. This inconsistency might affect their confidence going into the match against Espanyol.

Recent La Liga Results:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Celta Vigo (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Atletico Madrid (H)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Real Madrid (H)
• Win: 2-0 vs Levante (A)
• Loss: 0-4 vs Barcelona (A)

Espanyol have been in impressive form, securing four wins in their last five matches. Their only loss came against Villarreal at home, but their ability to win away against Getafe and Celta Vigo demonstrates their resilience and consistency. This strong run of form should give them confidence and momentum heading into the game against Athletic Club.

Recent La Liga Results:

• Win: 1-0 vs Getafe (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Rayo Vallecano (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Celta Vigo (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Sevilla (H)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Villarreal (H)

The head-to-head record between Athletic Club and Espanyol shows a competitive rivalry, with Athletic Club winning three out of the last five encounters. The most recent match ended in a 1-1 draw, indicating closely fought contests. Athletic Club's home advantage was evident in their 4-1 victory earlier in the season, while Espanyol managed a 1-0 win in their last visit to Athletic Club's ground in the Copa del Rey.

Recent Results

• Espanyol 1-1 Athletic Club (16 Feb 2025)

• Athletic Club 4-1 Espanyol (19 Oct 2024)

• Espanyol 1-2 Athletic Club (08 Apr 2023)

• Athletic Club 1-0 Espanyol (18 Jan 2023) - Copa del Rey

• Athletic Club 0-1 Espanyol (04 Sep 2022)

• Unai Egiluz (Knee Injury) - Out

• Yeray Alvarez (Doping) - Out

• Robert Navarro (Thigh) - Out

• Maroan Sannadi (Meniscus) - Out

• Aymeric Laporte (Leg) - Out

• Beñat Prados (Knee) - Doubt

• Asier Hierro (Suspended) - Out

• Daniel Vivian (Suspended) - Out

• Yuri Berchiche (Suspended) - Out

• Javi Puado (Knee) - Doubt

• Roberto (Back) - Doubt

• Charles Pickel (International duty) - Out

• Ramón Terrats (Hamstring) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Simon (GK), Areso (DF), Vesga (DF), Paredes (DF), Boiro (DF), Galarreta (MF), Jauregizar (MF), Berenguer (MF), Sancet (MF), N. Williams (MF), Guruzeta (AT)

Athletic Club's predicted 4-2-3-1 formation will likely see Guruzeta leading the attack, supported by the creative midfield trio of Berenguer, Sancet, and N. Williams. The backline, consisting of Areso, Vesga, Paredes, and Boiro, will aim to provide stability and launch quick counter-attacks.

• Predicted lineup: Dmitrovic (GK), Hilali (DF), Calero (DF), Cabrera (DF), Romero (DF), Jofre (MF), Gonzalez (MF), Exposito (MF), Milla (MF), Roberto (AT) (If fit), Garcia (AT)

Espanyol's predicted 4-4-2 setup will feature Garcia and Roberto up front, aiming to exploit any defensive weaknesses in Athletic Club's lineup. The midfield quartet of Jofre, Gonzalez, Exposito, and Milla will focus on controlling the game's tempo and supporting the attack.

• Guruzeta vs Calero: Guruzeta's movement and finishing will be tested against Calero's defensive positioning and tackling.

• Sancet vs Gonzalez: Sancet's creativity will face a stern challenge from Gonzalez's midfield presence and ball-winning ability.

• Jauregizar (Athletic Club): Jauregizar's role in dictating the tempo and disrupting play will be crucial to Athletic Club's midfield control.

• Garcia (Espanyol): Garcia's goal-scoring prowess and hold-up play will be vital for Espanyol's attacking threat.

Athletic Club vs Espanyol at 20:00 GMT on Monday, 22 December 2025, will be broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Premier Sports 1.

Bwin is predicting that the score will be Athletic Club 1-1 Espanyol.

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