Probable Lineups

4-3-3
Athletic Bilbao
4-2-3-1
Zaragoza
© WhoScored.com

Probable Lineups Statistical Comparision

(44) 32 Goals 28 (36)
(38) 27 Assists 17 (21)
(6.7) 6.8 Average Ratings 6.7 (6.5)
24.8 Average Age 28.2
181.9 Average Height (cm) 177.2
(0.8) 1 Shots pg 1 (0.8)
(49%) 48% Aerial Duel Success 42% (44%)
(0.7) 0.6 Dribbles pg 0.5 (0.5)
(2.2) 1.8 Tackles pg 1.4 (1.7)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in LIGA BBVA.

Missing Players

Player Reason Status Rating
Ruiz de Galarreta Out 6.53
Iñigo Pérez Out 6.79
Markel Susaeta Out 7.15
Fernando Amorebieta Doubtful 6.89
Ander Iturraspe Doubtful 6.68
Player Reason Status Rating
Adam Pintér Out 6.66
Ivan Obradovic Out 6.46
Glenn Loovens Doubtful 6.64
Aranda Doubtful 6.26
Abraham Doubtful 6.96

Team News

Athletic Bilbao
  • Athletic moved to within six points of the European places with a second consecutive 1-0 win away at Mallorca last weekend.
  • Marcelo Bielsa's men had to ride their luck and were grateful to Gorka Iraizoz after he produced a number of fine saves in the Balearics, however the Argentine is expected to continue with the promising 18-year-old Aymeric Laporte alongside Borja Ekiza in central defence.
  • Markel Susaeta is also suspended so Ibai Gomez could return with Iker Muniain switching to the other flank and Mikel San Jose is expected to retain his place in midfield ahead of the doubtful Ander Iturraspe.
Zaragoza
  • Real Zaragoza suffered setback last weekend meanwhile as they lost for the fifth time at home this season, going down 1-0 to Levante.
  • Manolo Jimenez also has selection problems in defence for the trip to San Mames with Abraham and Glenn Loovens doubtful and Adam Pinter definitely ruled out.
  • Javier Paredes could therefore return to the heart of the defence or Cristian Sapanaru may move across from right-back with Raul Goni coming into the Romanian's usual spot.

Prediction

  • These two sides are separated by just two points in mid-table and for both a victory could springboard a challenge towards the European places come January.
  • However, their inconsistency makes it hard to separate them. Athletic's home form of late has been good with seven points from the last nine available, but similarly Zaragoza have taken four points from their last two games on the road and are well set-up to soak up the pressure and then break quickly with the likes of Victor and Helder Postiga.
  • There has been only one draw in the last six league meetings between the sides, but that seems a reasonable bet for the final La Liga game of 2012.
Prediction:
Athletic Bilbao
1
1
Zaragoza
© WhoScored.com

Latest Comments

 

Head to Head Stats

R Team W D L Pts Form
12 A. Bilbao 12 9 17 45 ddwwld
20 Zaragoza 9 7 22 34 wwdlll

Top Players

Athletic Bilbao
Zaragoza
M. Susaeta 7.15
Ander 7.09
G. Iraizoz 6.98
Apoño 6.97
Abraham 6.96
Á. González 6.82
A. Aduriz 14
M. Susaeta 7
Ó. D. Marcos 6
H. Postiga 14
Apoño 9
F. Montañés 5
I. Gómez 9
M. Susaeta 7
A. Aduriz 6
V. Rodríguez 7
Apoño 4
J. M. Movilla 3

Match Forecast

Athletic Bilbao will dominate possession  
Zaragoza will control the game in the opposition's half  
Athletic Bilbao will score as a result of a through ball  
Athletic Bilbao will stray offside often  
* Match forecast is generated from clashes in team characters.
Data sources: Data Sources