Athletic Club and Getafe kick off the LaLiga season this Thursday in what should be an interesting match. Athletic finished fifth in the table last year, capping off an impressive and surprising finish. Getafe, on the other hand, could not have had a worse finish to their 23/24 campaign, as they lost all of their last five matches. They finished twelfth in the standings, but it could have ended much worse for them.
But, a new season means a new clean slate where anything can happen. Injuries, transfers, and unlikely superstars are just a few things that can make or break a season. Just look at Girona last year, as they finished in third place. They played stellar football for the majority of the year, spending many months on top of the table. Athletic Club are looking take a page out of Girona’s book this campaign. They are not favorites, but they still have a chance to make a statement.
There are two teams that usually take the top spots in LaLiga: Real Madrid and Barcelona. They are once again the first and second favorites this year, as their depth and star-power is the best it has ever been. With Real Madrid’s arrival of Kylian Mbappe, one of the world’s most talented forwards, they are clear in everyone’s eyes to lift the trophy.
If there was one dark-horse team to challenge for the title, it would be Athletic Club. Nico Williams, their superstar and recent European champion, surprisingly has stayed at the club after Barcelona inquired about him after the tournament. This was the best news for Athletic Club this summer. Retaining their up and coming playmaker has definitely saved their season. Although, Williams is not their only solid player as brother of Nico, forward Iñaki Williams, midfielders Ander Herrera and Oihan Sancet, and wingback Yuri Berchiche round out the squad in a multitude of positive ways.
Getafe, looking to right their ship after a disappointing 23/24 season have nothing to prove and everything to gain. Backed by their forward Borja Mayoral, who finished with fifteen goals last season is looking to get healthy again and lead the line by continuing his goalscoring prowess. But unfortunately, Mayoral will be out for this game as he is recovering from a knee injury. His return date is unknown. Experienced central midfielder Luis Milla, goalkeeper David Soria, and forward Álex Sola are names to hold the fort down until he returns.
Getafe’s goal this upcoming season should be to finish top te
n in the table.
Their squad depth does not really compare to any of the big name teams in LaLiga, but they definitely have the chance to turn some heads and steal some points in 24/25.
Athletic Club vs. Getafe Odds
| Athletic | Draw | Getafe |
| -210 | +333 | +600 |
| ** ESPN Bet Odds Subject to Change** | ||
Apex Tale of the Tape
Athletic Club vs. Getafe Match Details
- Fixture: 24/25 LaLiga
- Date and Time: Thursday, August 15 2024, 12 pm CT
- Location: San Mamés, Bilbao, Spain
- Weather: Cloudy, 76°
- Field Type: Grass
Team News
Athletic Club Bilbao
Predicted XI: 4-2-3-1
Padilla, Gorosabel, Alvarez, Paredes, Berchiche, Herrera, Prados, Iñaki Williams, Sancet, Nico Williams, Guruzeta
Getafe
Predicted XI: 4-3-3
Soria, Iglesias, Dakonam, Alderete, Salguero, Milla, Alena, Uche, Sola, Pérez, González
Prediction
Given that Getafe’s main source of goals, in Borja Mayoral, is out with a major knee injury, it will be tough for them to get a result here. The high-flying Williams brothers will look to exploit Getafe’s shaky defense, which is why I am backing Athletic Club to gain all three points. I am predicting a score of 2-0. Nico Williams to score or assist anytime and over 1.5 goals are also good shouts.
Final Pick
Athletic Club Bilbao ML @ -210
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