Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao preview - Marcelino wary of Athletic threat

Sevilla coach Marcelino believes Athletic Bilbao could be among the contenders for a Champions League place this season as the two sides prepare to meet on Sunday.

The Basque club have gone 10 games unbeaten after an unsteady start and Marcelino believes a great collection of young players will see them finish among the Primera Division's elite at the end of the campaign.

He told Sevilla's official website: "Last year they qualified for the Europa League. This year, with extraordinary young footballers, it is a team with great individuals but who are also good collectively.

"They ought to be challenging for the Europa League and Champions League places."

Sevilla will be boosted by the return of Alvaro Negredo and Freddie Kanoute in attack, while winger Diego Perotti is also back in the squad after a spell on the sidelines.

However, Gary Medel is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Real Mallorca two weeks ago.

Athletic are short in numbers in defence with Fernando Amorebieta suspended and Borja Ekiza out injured.

Ander Iturraspe is also unavailable through suspension, but Fernando Llorente believes Athletic still have enough to go to the Sanchez Pizjuan and come away with a positive result.

He told AS: "We know it has been a long time since we won away to Sevilla and we know it will be difficult because even when we have played well against them, like last year, we still haven't managed to win.

"But if we continue in the same way we were before the international break, with the same intensity, I think we can get a good result."

Llorente missed Spain's friendly with Costa Rica on Tuesday due to a knee problem, but expects to have recovered in time to take his place on Sunday.

"I hope I won't have any problems and I'll be able to play," he said.

"I feel a lot better and, although I didn't play with the national team as a precaution, I am working hard and preparing to go to Sevilla for the three points."

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