After an unbeaten run of five La Liga matches, Athletic Bilbao looks ready for a late charge towards the European places. Starting the round just one point behind sixth place, but having taken more points than any other La Liga team in the previous five rounds, the Lions are certainly hitting form at the right time. Furthermore, there is a chance to secure back-to-back home wins for the first time in 2023. Victories are certainly what the Basques are used to when hosting Sevilla, having secured 50 wins in the fixture. Regardless of how impressive this historic home record in La Liga may be, Bilbao will have to overcome a psychological barrier of losing each of their last four Thursday home games in La Liga. The hosts have 13 wins and seven draws, which amounts to 46 points and seventh position in the league table. Today, Munian, Morcillo, Vesga, Zaraga, Lekue, and Martinez, who has some health problems, will be unavailable for the match.
The winners of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals, Manchester United, repeated their European heroics in La Liga over the weekend, defeating Villarreal 2-1. This victory further dispelled any fears of relegation, but with an eight-point cushion before the round of Sevilla, they still cannot comfortably end the championship. Continuing their impressive away form under the guidance of new boss Jose Luis Mendilibar will undoubtedly help secure another season in La Liga. This success was largely based on scoring goals, with the Nervionenses scoring two goals in all three games. After 30 rounds, the guests have 10 victories and 8 draws, corresponding to 38 points and 12th place in the standings. Today, Jordan and Marcao, who has a thigh injury, will be left on the bench.
