Athletic Bilbao vs Celta Vigo preview - Valverde keeps focus on the league

Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde has reaffirmed that his team's priority remains the Primera Division, insisting that he will not be thinking about Champions League commitments when his side host Celta Vigo.

Athletic have endured their worst ever start to a league season this term, sitting 18th in the table after taking just four points from their seven games.

Things are not going swimmingly for the Basques in Europe, either - they sit bottom of their Champions League group and face a tough game with FC Porto on Tuesday, but Valverde ruled out resting any of his players in preparation for the trip to Portugal.

"Our priority, as we have always insisted, is the league," the coach said.

"And that's even more true right now, although that does not mean we're going to play with any less fight against Porto."

Valverde admitted that the two-week international break was just what his side needed following a 5-0 defeat at Real Madrid, the culmination of a torrid start to the campaign.

"Last season we got used to making the difficult look easy and now we are in a completely different situation. The break has been good for us, it has allowed us to reflect on things, and now we think we are in a better mindset than before, although that's hardly difficult after the thrashing in the Bernabeu."

Celta head to San Mames 12 league positions above Athletic but suffered their first defeat of the season - a 3-1 reverse at Villarreal - before the international break. Despite the Galicians' progress under Eduardo Berizzo, Valverde is confident his side can win the game if they approach it correctly.

"We expect them to play with a lot of pressure and to take the initiative, that's what they did last season and they are continuing where they left off last season, because they have very good midfielders and attackers in fine form such as Nolito and [Fabian] Orellana," said Valverde on Celta.

"But if we are able to dominate and control the play that could benefit us. We will have to fight for control of the game."

Goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz is expected to recover from a fever that caused him to miss training during the week, while Iker Muniain faces a struggle to return to action after injuring his shoulder while on international duty with Spain's under-21 side.

Celta defender Andreu Fontas misses the game through suspension following his red card at El Madrigal, while Hugo Mallo is doubtful due to a muscle strain.