Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction, Match Preview & Betting Tips, 2026-01-24 18:30:00
Sevilla is gearing up to face Athletic Bilbao in a LaLiga showdown on January 24, 2026. The action will unfold at 18:30 at the famed Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Seville. The home team, Sevilla, is currently under the weather, sitting in 14th place with just 21 points from 20 matches. This is a far cry from their past performances where they often sniffed European competition spots. Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, sits 10th with 24 points. It’s not the peak of last season’s fourth-place wonder, but they hope to pick up steam and climb higher.
Sevilla’s recent form is pretty worrying. They’ve lost four out of their last five LaLiga games and they aren’t lighting up the scoreboard, with only six goals scored compared to eight let in. Athletic Bilbao’s recent pattern doesn’t paint a rosier picture either. They’ve been shown the door three times in their last five outings, with one win and one draw. Their goal tally stands at eight scored but a leaky defense sees them having conceded fourteen.
Historically, Athletic Bilbao has had the upper hand over Sevilla. They’ve won the last five LaLiga encounters between the two, which heaps more pressure on Sevilla. This record will likely play on the players’ minds, especially since games between these teams tend to be closely fought, with Bilbao showing tactical shrewdness.
Playing at home, Sevilla can count on the 45,500 strong, passionate crowd at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán to back them up. The home crowd can be the 12th man when their team is battling through a rough patch. Both teams have defensive wobbles, so it could be a test for the squads and their managers. Akor Adams, leading Sevilla’s attack with five goals, aims to exploit Bilbao’s defensive gaps. Meanwhile, Nico Williams leads the charge for Athletic with four goals of his own.
Sevilla’s manager, Matias Almeyda, is known for an aggressive pressing game. This style, while forceful, can leave gaps that Bilbao’s coach Ernesto Valverde will want his team to exploit, especially utilizing their swift counterattacking skills.
Both teams have a tendency to let in early goals. Sevilla’s fans have seen it happen time and again at home, and Bilbao’s traveling support is no stranger to it either. This sets up the potential for early drama when they kick off at the famed stadium.
Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction & Betting Tip
Analyzing their current form, both Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao struggle with early defensive lapses. Sevilla has had issues conceding goals in the first half while playing on home turf, and Bilbao has similar troubles on away trips. Interestingly, the last five times these two teams faced each other, the net bulged before half-time.
Sevilla’s pressing could leave them vulnerable to Bilbao’s counter-attacks. Players like Nico Williams, who thrive in open play, could pounce on these chances. Bilbao has shown, under Valverde, they can tweak their tactics during a match, often resulting in early goals in cup matches, which suggests a lively start is on the cards.
Considering the recent trends and playing styles, betting on both teams to score in the first half might be risky but has the potential for high rewards. The odds reflect this bet’s risk and its potential high return.
| Recommended Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| Both teams to score in 1st half: Yes | 5.5 |
Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao Odds
Heading into this clash, the odds reveal an intriguing scenario. Despite a rough streak, Sevilla is priced at around 2.40 for a home victory, possibly due to their home ground advantage. Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, is going for about 2.80, bolstered by their strong head-to-head record against Sevilla.
For those who predict an evenly matched game, a draw comes in at roughly 3.20, reflecting the inconsistency both teams have shown. The odds for an over 2.5 goals scenario are pegged at 1.90, the same as under 2.5 goals, signaling uncertainty about the number of goals expected.
Expectations are high for an open game, underscored by the 1.75 odds for both teams to score (BTTS) over the full match, with a notable 5.5 for first-half BTTS indicating potential early excitement.
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Home Win (Sevilla) | 2.40 |
| Draw | 3.20 |
| Away Win (Bilbao) | 2.80 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 1.90 |
| Under 2.5 Goals | 1.90 |
| Both Teams to Score (Full Match) | 1.75 |
| Both Teams to Score in 1st Half | 5.5 |
Sevilla Team Analysis
Sevilla Recent Performance
Sevilla’s recent performances have been underwhelming. In their last five appearances across all competitions, they’ve won only once, drawn once, and lost three matches. Their last outing was a 2-2 draw at Elche, a slight improve to prior consecutive home losses; first a 0-1 defeat by Celta Vigo followed by a harsh 0-3 loss to Levante. Their away match against Real Madrid ended in a 0-2 defeat, alongside a Copa del Rey exit after losing 0-1 to Alaves.
They’ve found the net six times and let in eight in this sequence, managing just one clean sheet. Such defensive frailty, with an average of 1.6 goals conceded per match, highlights their struggle.
| Date | Opposition | Competition | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-11 | Elche vs Sevilla | LaLiga | 2-2 |
| 2026-01-04 | Sevilla vs Celta Vigo | LaLiga | 0-1 |
| 2025-12-28 | Sevilla vs Levante | LaLiga | 0-3 |
| 2025-12-21 | Real Madrid vs Sevilla | LaLiga | 2-0 |
| 2025-12-17 | Deportivo Alaves vs Sevilla | Copa del Rey | 1-0 |
Sevilla Key Players
Akor Adams is Sevilla’s top man upfront; his five league goals highlight his threat, particularly during counter-attacks. In goal, Odysseas Vlachodimos is key for the defense, trying to organize its frail structure.
In the midfield, Joan Jordán plays a significant role with his creativity and game tempo management, while Djibril Sow provides physicality and aerial prowess. Lucien Agoumé offers fresh legs and is known for his progressive deep passes.
Gerard Fernández, or “Peque”, can be vital for stretching defenses with his speed. Wing-backs Juanlu Sanchez and José Ángel Carmona add width and have to juggle attack and defense duties.
Sevilla Suspensions & Injuries
Sevilla is troubled with a slew of injuries across their defense and midfield, critically affecting their lineup. Thigh and hamstring niggles are a recurring theme hampering their backline stability. Marcão’s three-match suspension is a significant defensive blow.
Midfielder Batista Mendy is also out due to a yellow card suspension. Alexis Sanchez’s fitness is shaky with a thigh problem, though several key injured players are expected to return in February.
| Player | Issue | Return/Matches Left |
|---|---|---|
| Alfon Gonzalez | Thigh injury | Early February 2026 |
| Cesar Azpilicueta | Thigh injury | Early February 2026 |
| Ruben Vargas | Hamstring injury | Mid February 2026 |
| Alexis Sanchez | Thigh injury | Doubtful |
| Adnan Januzaj | Hamstring injury | Early February 2026 |
| Marcos Teixeira Marcão | Suspension | 3 matches left |
| Batista Mendy | Suspension (yellow cards) | 1 match left |
Sevilla Tactics and Formation
Matias Almeyda, facing player shortages, is likely to adopt a 3-5-2 setup to bolster the midfield. Wing-backs Juanlu Sanchez and José Ángel Carmona are essential in linking the back with the frontline.
In the middle, Nemanja Gudelj will anchor, offering cover for the defense alongside Joan Jordán. Lucien Agoumé aims to seamlessly transition the ball forward. Up top, strikers Akor Adams and Peque must lead the press and force the opponent’s errors.
Sevilla’s high press can disrupt Bilbao’s buildup, though they need to stay compact to avoid exposure on counters.
Athletic Bilbao Team Analysis
Athletic Bilbao Recent Performance
Athletic Bilbao’s recent form has been a mixed bag too. In their last five matches, they bagged a win, a draw, and lost three times. Their defense slipped in a 3-2 defeat at Mallorca despite putting up a good fight offensively. Their narrow escapes, like beating Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey on penalties after a 3-3 draw, show existing defensive lapses.
Being thrashed 5-0 by Barcelona in the Super Cup was a big blow. A 1-1 draw against Osasuna, only to concede late, and a tight 1-2 reverse to Espanyol at home also pointed to their inability to close out matches.
| Date | Opposition | Competition | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-12 | Mallorca vs Athletic Club | LaLiga | 3-2 |
| 2026-01-07 | Cultural Leonesa vs Athletic Club | Copa del Rey | 3-3 (ET: 0-1) |
| 2026-01-04 | Barcelona vs Athletic Club | Super Cup | 5-0 |
| 2025-12-28 | Osasuna vs Athletic Club | LaLiga | 1-1 |
| 2025-12-21 | Athletic Club vs Espanyol | LaLiga | 1-2 |
Athletic Bilbao Key Players
In goal, Unai Simón is pivotal due to the defense’s shakiness. Aymeric Laporte’s expected return from injury could shore up the central defense.
In midfield, Oihan Sancet is critical for his creativity and key passes. Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta provides experience and ball control. Nico Williams leverages his speed for counter-attacks, posing a threat during sudden transitions.
Unai Gómez is notable for his late box runs, while Robert Navarro offers vision to dismantle defenses further.
Athletic Bilbao Suspensions & Injuries
Athletic is also beset by injuries, mainly affecting their defense. Cruciate and meniscus issues for some players have hit them hard. Both Laporte and Egiluz will be unavailable until February.
Offensively, missing Iñaki and Nico Williams is a handicap. There are doubts over the fitness of Yuri Berchiche and Berenguer Remiro returning to action soon. Midfielder Maroan Sannadi’s return early next month adds some hope for respite.
| Player | Issue | Return/Matches Left |
|---|---|---|
| Unai Egiluz | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid February 2026 |
| Beñat Prados | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Maroan Sannadi | Meniscus injury | Early February 2026 |
| Aymeric Laporte | Leg injury | Early February 2026 |
| Iñaki Williams | Leg injury | Mid February 2026 |
| Nico Williams | Muscle injury | Early February 2026 |
| Yuri Berchiche | Hamstring injury | Early February 2026 |
| Alejandro Berenguer Remiro | Finger injury | Early February 2026 |
| Gorka Guruzeta | Suspension (yellow/red card) | 1 match left |
| Iñigo Lekue | Suspension (red card) | 1 match left |
Athletic Bilbao Tactics and Formation
To firm up their defense on the road, Ernesto Valverde is expected to roll out a 4-5-1 system. Full-backs Jesús Areso and Adama Boiro are crucial for supporting quick counter-attacks.
Central defenders Aitor Paredes and Daniel Vivian will try to win aerial battles. The midfield trio of Jauregizar, Galarreta, and Navarro will focus on controlling the game’s pace, while wingers Sancet and Gómez provide wide support and feed balls to the lone striker, Urko Izeta.
Izeta will be tasked with pressing high and holding up play. Athletic’s gameplan focuses on compactness and rapid transitions to exploit spaces left by Sevilla’s press.
Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao Head-to-Head Statistics
Athletic Bilbao’s recent dominance over Sevilla in LaLiga matches can’t be ignored. They’ve clinched victory in their last five meetings, even securing crucial away wins with scores of 0-1 and 0-2 at the Sánchez Pizjuán.
Sevilla hasn’t tasted LaLiga success against Bilbao since early 2024, struggling in recent attempts. On average, these matchups have seen 2.4 goals per game, indicating moderate scoring trends.
Bilbao has kept clean sheets in three of these five face-offs, illustrating their organized defense outperforming Sevilla. The trend favors under 3.0 goals. However, Bilbao’s tendency to score might just spark early chances.
| Date | Home | Competition | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-17 | Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla | LaLiga | 3-2 |
| 2025-03-16 | Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao | LaLiga | 0-1 |
| 2024-09-29 | Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla | LaLiga | 1-1 |
| 2024-05-19 | Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla | LaLiga | 2-0 |
| 2024-01-04 | Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao | LaLiga | 0-2 |
Venue and Weather
The clash is set at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Seville, famous for its lively atmosphere. It offers a familiar backdrop with a capacity of 45,500, a factor not to be underestimated as Sevilla seeks to rally the home crowd.
The weather forecast at 18:30 on January 24 shows mild winter conditions expected in Andalusia. With temperatures between 10°C and 16°C, it’s an ideal setting for energetic football, where skill and tactics can shine without the burden of extreme heat. A sprinkle of rain may lead to a slick pitch, demanding precise ball control and restricting easy slide tackles.
Predictions show minimal wind, allowing passes and aerial play to flow smoothly. Sevilla’s pressing game could thrive in such conditions, while Bilbao will aim to sharpen lateral movements. Attention to pitch humidity and cooler air during play might influence both teams’ shoe choices and warm-up preparation for optimal match performance.
