Athletic Bilbao are up against Valencia in what star striker Fernando Llorente is billing as a 'huge match'. "Once again we play at home and we must show that we are to remain strong in our home," said Llorente, who hoped to see the "aggressive and strong team" which Athletic are well known to be at San Mames.
A fine run which saw Les Leones put together four straight wins was ended by two successive away defeats to Mallorca and Barcelona. Though the Champions League places may be just out of their reach, Athletic could open up a gap and secure their place in the Europa League qualifying positions.
Currently, they stand in fifth place, only one point ahead of Espanyol in sixth, and four ahead of the chasing pack that is Sevilla and Real Sociedad. Llorente is unfazed by the challenge that lay ahead for the Basque club, adding: “We must be ready and not conceding anything. It will not be easy but at home I think we can beat them [Valencia]”.
Gaining Domestic And Continental Momentum Is Key
For Valencia, a win at the daunting San Mames could open up some breathing space between themselves and Villarreal in the race for automatic Champions League qualification.
Los Che suffered continental hangover last weekend after being frustrated by the ever-improving Sporting Gijon. They remain in third, two points ahead of the Yellow Submarine and need to build on their good form lately.
Coach Unai Emery has had a week to prepare for this game, and is eager for his charges to get a result in Bilbao in the run-up to the Champions League return legg clash against Schalke 04. Juggling domestic and continental games is no easy task, and Los Che despite their inability to break the Germans, find themselves unbeaten in 14 matches in all competitions, their last reverse coming against Real Madrid on December 4.
As we approach the business end of the season, gaining momentum on both fronts is of huge priority to Los Che, and this must continue this weekend.
TEAM NEWS
Athletic Bilbao
Joaquin Caparros has reportedly told Oscar Marcos that he will replace the suspended Andoni Iraola. Meanwhile, Gaizka Toquero will partner Fernando Llorente upfront at the expense of Ander Iturraspe.
Valencia
Mehmet Topal is highly doubtful for the game as he experiences discomfort with his calf. Other than that, there are no fresh injury worries for Unai Emery.
Prediction
This game has draw written all over it, Athletic are itching to end their losing streak whilst Valencia need to continue their form if they are to go further this season. You can’t win ‘em all. Both sides are set to close each other down.
Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Valencia 
