Athletic Bilbao v/s Deportivo Alavés

1. Core Players & Star Quality

Athletic Bilbao 
• Attacking star power remains with Oihan Sancet (15G, 1A), Iñaki Williams (6G, 8A), and Nico Williams (5G, 5A) — all capable of match-winning moments. 
• Alex Berenguer (6G, 7A) adds balance and creativity. 
• Defensively, Vivian (2605 mins, 4G) and Paredes (1815 mins, 3G) are key, anchored by top goalkeeper Unai Simón. 
• Midfield control provided by Mikel Jauregizar (2245 mins) and Beñat Prados (1721 mins). 

Deportivo Alavés 
• Carlos Vicente (5G, 5A) is the main attacking spark, while Joan Jordán (5G, 2A) adds scoring from midfield. 
• Antonio Blanco (2737 mins) offers defensive midfield solidity, complemented by Guridi (3G, 1A). 
• Backline weakened with departures and reliance on Tenaglia (2924 mins) and new arrival Facundo Garcés. 

2. Departures Impact

Athletic Bilbao 
• Experienced leaders Óscar De Marcos (17 starts, 4 assists), Yuri Berchiche (35, LB), and backup keeper Agirrezabala no longer part of squad. 
• Still, attacking trio (Sancet–Iñaki–Nico Williams) retained → scoring threat intact. 

Deportivo Alavés 
• Major exits: Kike García (13 goals), Abqar (defensive anchor), Manu Sánchez (LB), Sivera (GK), Mouriño (CB). 
• Severely reduces both scoring and defensive stability. 

3. New Player Integration

Athletic Bilbao 
• Jesus Areso (3088 mins) reliable at RB, with Robert Navarro (1286 mins) and Unai Gómez (1G, 3A) as creative depth. 
• No blockbuster additions → Bilbao banking on continuity. 

Deportivo Alavés 
• Joan Jordán (5G, 2A) already a crucial attacking midfielder. 
• Lucas Boyé adds physicality but now sidelined (knee injury). 
• Carlos Martín (2G, 2A) and Toni Martínez (4G) rotate in attack, while Facundo Garcés/Jonny Otto help patch defense. 

4. Assists & Goals Output

Athletic Bilbao 
• Sancet (15 goals) is their finisher-in-chief. 
• Iñaki Williams (6G, 8A) and Berenguer (6G, 7A) provide width and creativity. 
• Nico Williams (5G, 5A) adds pace and unpredictability. 
• Defensive players contribute occasionally (Vivian 4G, Paredes 3G). 

Deportivo Alavés 
• Without Kike García (13 goals), the burden falls on Vicente (5G, 5A) and Jordán (5G, 2A). 
• Martín, Toni Martínez, Stoichkov offer depth but have limited output. 
• Goal spread too narrow → risks predictability. 

5. Substitutes’ Experience & Depth

Athletic Bilbao 
• Bench has Unai Gómez (1G, 3A), Gorosabel (1489 mins), and Prados (1721 mins) — midfield options, though attacking depth is thinner. 
• Defensive depth tested due to Yeray Álvarez suspension and Lekue injury. 

Deportivo Alavés 
• Toni Martínez (4G) is their impact sub up front. 
• Conechny (1G) and Carlos Martín (2G, 2A) rotate but lack consistency. 
• Defensive cover from Sedlar, Garcés, Pica — but all under 700 mins, less reliable in pressure games. 

6. Forecast & Expected Dynamics

1. Athletic Bilbao Advantage: Stronger attacking trio (Sancet, Nico, Iñaki Williams), more cohesive midfield, elite GK Unai Simón. 

1. Deportivo Alavés Challenge: Absence of Lucas Boyé (injured) and loss of Kike García leave them goal-shy. Defense weakened by injuries (Nikola Maras, Boyé) and departures. 

1. Likely Flow: Bilbao push the tempo, dominate wings through Nico/Iñaki, while Alavés sit deep and hope for Jordán/Vicente to break forward. 

7. Predicted Strength Balance

• Athletic Bilbao: ★★★★☆ (Strong) — attacking trio intact, balanced midfield, some defensive absences but still competitive.
  • Deportivo Alavés: ★★☆☆☆ (Below average) — midfield creativity present, but forward line weakened and defense exposed.

Projected Result: Athletic Bilbao win, 2–0, with Sancet and Nico Williams likely decisive.