Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
Spain – LaLiga
Date: Sunday, 22 December 2019
Kick-off at 20:00 UK/ 21:00 CET
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid).
TEAM NEWS
REAL MADRID
Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Mendy; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; Bale, Benzema, Isco
Not available: Marcelo (Injured), Marco Asensio (Hurt), Lucas Vazquez (Hurt), Hazard (Hurt), M. Diaz (Out of favor)
Doubtful: James Rodriguez (Hurt)
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Lekue, Unai Nunez, Inigo Martinez, Yuri; San Jose, Dani Garcia; Inaki Williams, Unai Lopez, Inigo Cordoba; Raul Garcia
Not available: Ander Capa (Suspended), Muniain (Hurt), De Marcos (Injured)
Doubtful: Yeray Alvarez (Hurt), Aduriz (Injured)
Preview Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
After a year of inconsistency and results fluctuate, Los Blancos real emerge from the shadows.
Zidane position is under threat after a poor end to the previous campaign. Madrid lost 12 games this season, finishing third and 19 points behind the champion.
France just returned to the Bernabeu in March, so that the entire campaign was not entirely his responsibility, but Real took time to find their best after Zidane grabbed the reins for a second time.
Los Blancos have lost just once this term, compared with Barca three. This season they did not allow Catalans to run away with the championship.
Madrid are unbeaten in their last eight, but they will be challenged by a team of their own Bilbao progress in wealth.
Last season, the Lions missed European qualification with a place on the results of head-to-head with Espanyol after the sides finished level on points.
Gaizka Garitano coach's goal now will go one better and comfortable secure a UEFA Europa League participation-or obtain elusive UEFA Champions League place in the top four.
Traveling side must contain Karim Benzema, who has been the main Madrid this season, led the attack in the form of vintage.
Benzema has scored 13 goals in 16 appearances against Bilbao during his career, and the 32-year-old has hit the back of the net 12 times in La Liga this season.
Despite their consistent success in the Champions League, La Liga Madrid have won only six times since 2000, and as we approach 2020, the president Florentino Perez will require a team of climbing back up in front of the domestic tree Barca.
Tips and predictions
Real Madrid to win and under 3.5 goals in the game is priced at 2.10 and looks a strong choice, with all four victories final against Athletic Madrid came in the game with less than four goals.
