Athletic Club vs. Deportivo Alaves Tips and Odds – 11/05/2025

• Date: Sunday, 11 May 2025
• Fixture: Athletic Club vs Deportivo Alavés
• Venue: San Mamés, Bilbao, Spain

Match Preview

The Basque derby returns to San Mamés as Athletic Club host Deportivo Alavés in a crucial La Liga clash on Sunday, 11 May 2025. With just a handful of games left in the season, both sides are fighting for very different objectives: Athletic are pushing to secure European football, while Alavés are looking to steer clear of the relegation zone. The atmosphere promises to be electric, as is always the case when these two rivals meet in Bilbao.

Athletic Club enter this fixture on the back of a demanding run, having just played a high-profile Europa League semi-final second leg against Manchester United and a tense goalless draw in the Basque derby against Real Sociedad in their last league outing. While their home form remains formidable-unbeaten in their last 14 La Liga matches at San Mamés-Athletic are dealing with a significant injury crisis. Star attackers Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, and Iñaki Williams are all sidelined, leaving manager Ernesto Valverde with a depleted frontline and forcing him to rely on squad depth and tactical discipline. Defensively, they remain strong, having conceded just 26 goals this season and keeping 12 clean sheets.

Deportivo Alavés, meanwhile, have shown resilience in recent weeks, including a hard-fought draw against Atletico Madrid in their previous league match. While their away form has been patchy, with four draws in their last six on the road, they have proven difficult to break down and will likely approach this game with a defensive mindset. Alavés have no fresh injury concerns and should be able to field their strongest available side, giving them a glimmer of hope as they look to exploit Athletic’s attacking absences.

Historically, Athletic have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, especially at home, where they have not lost to Alavés in their last five encounters and have kept clean sheets in each of those matches. However, the absence of their main attacking threats could make this a tighter contest than usual, with Alavés hoping to frustrate the hosts and snatch a vital point or more.

Key Players

Athletic Club:

• Gorka Guruzeta: With the Williams brothers and Sancet out, Guruzeta will be expected to lead the line and provide a goal threat.
• Alex Berenguer: A versatile forward, Berenguer’s creativity and set-piece ability will be vital in breaking down a compact Alavés defense.
• Yeray Álvarez: The experienced centre-back will marshal a defense that has been one of the best in La Liga this season.
• Unai Simón: The Spain international goalkeeper has been a rock for Athletic, boasting a 33.5% clean sheet rate in his career.

Deportivo Alavés:

• Antonio Sivera: The captain and goalkeeper will need to be at his best to keep Athletic at bay.
• Jon Guridi: The midfielder offers both defensive stability and an attacking threat from deep.
• Asier Villalibre: A former Athletic player, Villalibre will be motivated to make an impact against his old club.

Prediction

Given Athletic Club’s outstanding home record and defensive solidity, they remain favorites despite their attacking absences. Alavés are likely to sit deep and look to hit on the counter, but their struggles in front of goal could continue against a disciplined Athletic backline. Expect a tight, hard-fought affair with few clear-cut chances. A narrow home win or a low-scoring draw seems most probable.

Prediction: Athletic Club 1-0 Deportivo Alavés.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are indicative and may fluctuate. Always check the latest prices before placing your bet.

Expect a tense Basque derby with Athletic Club’s defensive strength likely to be the deciding factor, but don’t rule out a stubborn Alavés side making life difficult for the hosts.