Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano Preview 17/09/2022

Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano – 17/09/2022

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Two of the most impressive sides in La Liga during the early stages of the 2022/23 season will meet here as Athletic Bilbao play hosts to Rayo Vallecano this Saturday as sixth meets with ninth.

Just like last season, Vallecano have started the season much better than anticipated. Although they are not in fourth like they were this time last campaign, by sitting ninth and off the back of another promising win against Valencia, they are in solid form still.

Isi Pazalon and an own goal was the difference for Vallecano against Valencia as they now sit inside the top half with a fantastic defensive record of only five goals conceded from five games – this is the same as the league leaders Real Madrid.

What’s more, however, the club have only scored five of their own and have a lot of work to do on the attacking front.

The recent win for the Madrid side did end a run of two games with a loss, as Mallorca and Osasuna both netted two goals each and claimed all three points.

Vallecano would defeat Espanyol just prior to that game, as they also drew with Barcelona on the opening weekend of action – this remains the only time Barcelona have dropped points on the domestic front this season so far.

As for Bilbao, things have looked very healthy for them in the early stages of 2022/23. Ernesto Valverde’s side have won three games to this point, losing just once and drawing the other game.

At the same time, with just two goals let in all season long, only Villarreal and Barcelona have a better defensive record.

Bilbao – although not known for their high-scoring output – have netted four goals in a game twice already this campaign. The club defeated Elche 4-1 last time out, as Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams and Alejandro Berenguer Remiro all scored a goal each.

They also defeated Cadiz 4-0 in the game. Inaki Williams netted again that day, as Gorka Guruzeta bagged a brace. Alejandro Berenguer Remiro also scored that day too. Bilbao have also beaten Valencia and lost to Espanyol this season, while also drawing with Mallorca.

Forebet predicts this one to be a close game. Although Bilbao’s goalscoring form has been ramped up this season, eight of their nine goals did come across two games.

Forebet predicts a draw here and for the game to see under 2.5 goals