TIPS - Athletic Bilbao VS Rayo Vallecano

[(Athletic Bilbao) Strength]:
1. Athletic Bilbao won the first La Liga game in the new season and are eager to continue winning. Thus, they will go all out in this home game.
2. Athletic Bilbao beat Sevilla FC 3-2 in the first league game at home in the new season, starting with a win. They boasted a 46% possession rate, 14 shots with 3 on target, and 3 goals scored.
3. Athletic Bilbao scored in 5 of the last 6 games, revealing stable attack.
4. Athletic Bilbao received 11 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses in 19 league games at home last season, with an unbeaten rate of 89.47%, showcasing decent home form.
5. Athletic Bilbao have the upper hand with 10 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in the last 13 encounters against Rayo Vallecano, with a high unbeaten rate.

[(Athletic Bilbao) Weakness]:
1. Athletic Bilbao defender Unai Egiluz, as well as midfielders Oihan Sancet and Unai Gomez, are doubtful to play this game due to injuries.
2. Athletic Bilbao conceded in each of the last 7 games, indicating a flawed defensive line.

[(Rayo Vallecano) Strength]:
1. Rayo Vallecano won in the league and the Conference League lately, showing high morale. They are eager to continue winning.
2. Rayo Vallecano won 3-1 over Hellas Verona FC in the first La Liga game on the road in the new season, getting off to a brisk start. They had a 56% possession rate, 16 shots with 5 on target, and 3 goals scored.
3. Rayo Vallecano secured a narrow 1-0 win over FC Neman Grodno in the first leg of the Conference League play-offs, taking the lead in advancing.
4. Rayo Vallecano scored in each of the last 7 games, featuring stable offense.
5. Rayo Vallecano kept two clean sheets in the last 3 games, performing well on defense.

[(Rayo Vallecano) Neutral]:
1. Rayo Vallecano recorded 7 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses in 19 league games on the road last season, demonstrating mediocre away form.

[(Rayo Vallecano) Weakness]:
1. Due to injuries, Rayo Vallecano defender Abdul Mumin will miss this game, while defender Luiz Felipe and midfielder Oscar Valentin are in doubt.
2. Rayo Vallecano won one and lost seven in the last eight away matches against Athletic Bilbao, with a low win rate, giving them mental stress on this trip.

[Tips]:
Athletic Bilbao secured a win in the first league game, while Rayo Vallecano won in both the league and the Conference League, showing the two teams' commendable recent form.

However, there is a big gap between their strength, as Athletic Bilbao have the upper hand with 10 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in the last 13 encounters.

The AH line also supports Athletic Bilbao in this home game.

Thus, the home team are expected to win this match.

[Recommended]:
Athletic Bilbao (-0.5/1)