In this preview, we will analyze the upcoming match between Cadiz and Athletic Bilbao, including our prediction, team news, and expected lineups.
Match preview
Cadiz recently appointed Mauricio Pellegrino as their new head coach. The 52-year-old has previously managed teams like Valencia, Alaves, and Leganes in Spain. His primary task is to ensure that Cadiz avoids relegation from the league.
Pellegrino’s first challenge comes in the form of a tough match against one of the strongest teams in La Liga this season. Cadiz enters this game following a 1-0 defeat to Alaves, extending their winless streak in the top flight since September.
So far this season, Cadiz has recorded two wins, nine draws, and ten defeats in their 21 league matches, placing them in the 18th position with 15 points, just one point behind 17th-placed Sevilla.
Although Cadiz has suffered only three home defeats this season, they have drawn five times. A draw in this match would be considered a positive result for Pellegrino.
On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao heads into this game after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. Their recent form has been impressive, winning seven of their last eight matches across all competitions.
However, in their last league game, they were defeated 1-0 by Valencia, causing them to drop out of the top four.
Currently, they have amassed 41 points from 21 league matches, placing them in the fifth position. They are level on points with Atletico Madrid in fourth and three points behind third-placed Barcelona.
Athletic Bilbao has not secured a top-four finish in La Liga since the 2013-14 season. However, they appear well-equipped to challenge for a Champions League spot next season.
In their 10 away league matches this season, Athletic has gathered 15 points. Additionally, they have won their last four encounters against Cadiz in La Liga, including a convincing 3-0 victory in their previous meeting at San Mames in September.
Team News
Cadiz will be without five players due to injuries: Fede San Emeterio, Luis Hernandez, Javi Hernandez, Darwin Machis, and Roger Marti.
Pellegrino’s selection and tactical plans remain uncertain, but significant changes in personnel are not expected.
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao will be missing Dani Garcia due to a thigh problem, while Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Alex Berenguer are doubtful.
Inaki Williams, who recently returned from international duty with Ghana, is expected to start after scoring as a substitute in the Copa del Rey match against Barcelona.
Other players like Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, and Gorka Guruzeta are also likely to feature in the attacking positions.
Predicted Lineups
Cadiz possible starting lineup: (4-4-2)
Ledesma;
Zaldua, Fali, Chust, Pires;
Alejo, Escalante, Alcaraz, Navarro;
Ocampo, Ramos
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup: (4-2-3-1)
Simon;
Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri;
Herrera, Vesga;
I Williams, Sancet, N Williams;
Guruzeta
Prediction: Cadiz 1-3 Athletic Bilbao
Considering Cadiz’s recent managerial change and their struggle for form, it is difficult to envision anything other than an Athletic Bilbao victory. The Basque side has been one of the standout teams in La Liga this season.
