Athletic Club vs Espanyol Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | LaLiga 2025-26

This is the 200th game between these two sides.

The San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, gears up to host the LaLiga fixture featuring the home team Athletic Club and visitors Espanyol.

Bilbao are eighth in the LaLiga table, and a win is non-negotiable for their continental ambitions next season. They are coming after a defeat to Celta Vigo in their last game. They are led by former FC Barcelona and Valencia gaffer Ernesto Valverde.

Espanyol have won all of their last four games in LaLiga and are placed fifth in the points table. They are emerging as one of the serious contenders for the UEFA Champions League place after their recent wins over Getafe and Sevilla. They are led by Spanish gaffer Manolo Gonzalez, who previously looked after Espanyol reserves.

🔜 Bilbao ens espera! #RCDE pic.twitter.com/ErUBYLU1rb

— RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol) December 19, 2025

Kick-off:

• Location: Bilbao, Spain
• Stadium: San Mames Stadium
• Date: Tuesday, December 23
• Kick-off Time: 1:30 a.m. IST
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Players to Watch

Aitor Paredes (Athletic Club)

The homegrown talent from Bilbao has been one of the best defenders this season. He was part of the Bilbao side that won the Copa del Rey in 2024. The player has shown immense potential at a very young age for both his club and country, and is eyeing yet another clean sheet against Espanyol.

Carlos Romero (Espanyol)

The Spanish left back has donned jerseys of Villarreal and Torre Levante before making a move to Catalonia as a loanee. Despite being a loanee, he has been brilliant on the left flank and has already scored twice and given two assists in 16 games for Espanyol.

Match Facts

• These two sides will meet each other for the 200th time.
• Telmo Zarra from Bilbao is the leading goalscorer in this fixture.
• The last fixture at San Mames saw Bilbao winning 4-1.

Athletic Club vs Espanyol: Betting Tips and Odds

• Espanyol to win the match – 15/4 with bet365
• Garcia Kike to score the first goal – 3/1 with bet365
• Athletic Club 1-2 Espanyol – 8/1 with bet365

Injury and Team News

After Ghana failed to qualify for AFCON, Inaki Williams remains available. Notable absentees include Robert Navarro and Aymeric Laporte.

Due to AFCON, Espanyol will miss Charles Pickel and Omar El Hilali.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 199

Bilbao won: 88

Espanyol won: 69

Draws: 42

Predicted Lineups

Athletic Club predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Simon (GK); Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Boiro; Galarreta, Jauregizar; Berenguer, Sancet, Williams; Guruzeta

Espanyol predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Dmitrovic (GK); Sanchez, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Carreras, Gonzalez, Exposito, Milla; Fernandes, Kike

Match Prediction

Despite a close contested tie, we expect the away side to walk away with all three points from San Mames.

Prediction: Athletic Club 1-2 Espanyol

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

UK: Premier Sports

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: SuperSport

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