Athletic Bilbao encountered Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the beginning of the season, but then showed a very high win rate against the middle and lower reaches of the team. Although Nico's rest and injury affect the side breakthrough, but Valverde's tactical adjustments - active counter-strike, advancing to the forbidden zone diagonal pass, using the high center forward header goal or ferry, the front waist and back of the back of the sensitive to make up for the position, to ensure that the team's offensive coherence and efficiency. In the double back, Prados's ability to hold the ball to advance and split the side, coupled with timely behind the direct, forming an effective rapid counterattack. Despite the double matches in a week, Valverde's rotation strategy is appropriate, especially the away draw against Roma, which brought a significant boost to the team's morale.
Sevilla's poor reinforcements in recent seasons have resulted in a serious loss of starters, and the departure of Nesri has deprived the team of its key forward point-grabbing ability, and the effectiveness of the side road passes has been greatly reduced. Frequent changes in the center back combination, so that the stability of the back line decline, out of the ball error frequently, by the opponent to take advantage of the counter-attack. 7 league games only 2 shutout, the quality of the defense is worrying. New manager Pimiento's 4-guard formation attempts have highlights, but the midfield blocking ability is insufficient, especially when facing strong teams, 433 formation midfield trio defense task is heavy but ineffective. Although they killed Valladolid in the last round, the process was difficult, showing the shortcomings of midfield organization and defensive blocking.
Athletic Bilbao's side-breaking and defensive counter-attacking tactics will pose a huge threat to Sevilla's center-backfield. The Williams brothers' ability to attack on the side, as well as the team's contracted defense and counterattacking in their 451 formation at home, could bog down Sevilla's positional play. Sevilla relies on Navas' attacking organization on the side, but Luke Baggio's one-two punch and errors in returning crosses from midfield could be a breakthrough for the opponent's counterattacks.
To sum up, Athletic Bilbao, with its efficient counterattack and solid defense, is expected to control the rhythm of the game at home and exert continuous pressure on Sevilla. Sevilla's midfield defense and attacking organization will face a severe test. If they can't effectively solve the loopholes in defense and weak midfield, it will be difficult for them to retreat from Bilbao's home field.
Pick: Athletic Bilbao -0.5
