| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
VALENCIA  GuaitaMiguel, Ruiz, Rami, Mathieu Hernandez, Parejo, Albelda, PiattiCanales Soldado | ATHLETIC BILBAO  IraizozIraola, Ekiza, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe Martinez, Gurpegi Susaeta, Muniain, GabilondoLlorente |
Unai Emery may opt for Roberto Soldado up top alongside Jonas, as he did on Wednesday in the Champions League. But don't be surprised if he reverts to his old tactics, similar to that of the Mallorca game last weekend, keeping the Spaniard alone up front with Sergio Canales on creative duty just behind.
In Athletic Iker Muniain will likely play behind Fernando Llorente, with Javi Martinez leading the midfield. The defenders look to remain the same from their Europa League encounter.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Valencia currently sit in fifth place in La Liga with 14 points, three behind leaders Barcelona and Levante.
- The Champions League side are coming off a 2-1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday in a Group E clash that saw them fall four points behind the Germans for second place.
- Last term, Emery's men downed Bilbao twice, both 2-1 victories.
- Athletic Bilbao are in 11th place in the league with eight points.
- The club have not lost in their last three league fixtures, winning twice and drawing once. Athletic also tied Red Bull Salzburg 2-2 in Europa League play this week.
- Bielsa, who is from Rosario, Argentina, has a stadium named after him in his home town. The 40,000 capacity stadium, now named Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, is home to Argentina top flight club Newell's Old Boys, with the honour coming in 2009.
Prediction
Sure to be a tough contest, Valencia will look to rebound from Wednesday's loss to Bayer Leverkusen, with the defence playing strong in a narrow victory.
Editor's Prediction
Valencia 1-0 Athletic Bilbao 
