LaLiga 2022-23: Athletic Club vs Real Madrid: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head

On Matchday 18 of the 2022-2023 La Liga,The defending champions will go up against The Lehoiak in San Mamés Barria. 

A challenging Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid matchup will take place at San Mamés Barria on Matchday 18 of the 2022-2023 LaLiga.In their most recent matches, Real Madrid wasn't performing at their typical level. They lost to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final before their journey to Saudi Arabia, making it three games without a victory. On Wednesday, they had a difficult Copa del Rey match against Villarreal as a chance to regroup, but they only just managed to get out of it. They went from down 2-0 to win 3-2, which may be a big lift for them.

This time around, Athletic Club isn't playing at its best either. Despite playing better in their most recent game, they have lost three straight games in LaLiga and have dropped in the standings. In the other domestic event, they advanced to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory against Espanyol, which could have served as their wake-up call.

Kick-off

Sunday, 22 January; 8:00 pm (GMT)Monday, 23 January 1:30 am (IST)

Athletic Bilbao form (all competitions):W-D-W-D-L-W

Real Madrid form (all competitions):W-W-L-W-L-W

Players to Watch

Inaki Williams

After representing the Athletic club for more than a decade. Inaki is a club legend and is one of the highest performers for the club. The player has 5 goals and 1 assist in 17 appearances. In 2014, he made his club's professional debut, and since then, he has established himself as a significant member of the squad. Williams, who has played for the national team of the Basque Country, is renowned for his quickness and finishing prowess.

Vinicius Jr

Vini is one of the most dangerous players in Real Madrid, after scoring 6 goals and 1 assist in 16 appearances in La Liga. He is one of the players to create the most chances for the players in the club this season. He is well-known for his speed, agility, and goal-scoring abilities.

Match Facts

• In six of Athletic Bilbao's previous seven home games against Real Madrid in all competitions, there have been fewer than 2.5 goals scored.

Team and Injury news

Yeray Alvarez won't be able to play for Athletic because he got a red card in last weekend's game against Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, Inigo Martinez's injury status is still quite questionable.

While Lucas Vazquez will undoubtedly be absent from Real Madrid once more owing to an ankle issue.After receiving a break before playing Villarreal in the Copa del Rey, Luka Modric will be available.

Federico Valverde may be shifted farther forward to join Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior in the front three, leaving Eduardo Camavinga in the middle of the field. For the capital giants, Nacho is anticipated to play right-back once more.

Head-to-head record

Matches: 61

Real Madrid: 39

Athletic Bilbao: 12

Draws: 10

Predicted Lineups

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:Simon; De Marcos, Paredes, Vivian, Yuri; D Garcia, Vesga; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:Courtois; Nacho, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Modric, Camavinga, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius

Match Prediction

Athletic is a very dangerous opponent, so this is another big test for Real Madrid. The Basque team, on the other hand, has been struggling to win in the league lately. With Ancelotti's team chasing Barcelona, we think the reigning champions will find a way to win big here.

Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Athletic Bilbao

Where to Watch?

India- Sports18 TV channel, VootUK- Via Play, La Liga TVUSA-Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+Nigeria- Canal+ , Super Sport