TIPS - Athletic Bilbao VS Qarabag

[(Athletic Bilbao) Strength]:
1. Athletic Bilbao's key forward, Nico Williams, suffered an injury during the international break in September and subsequently missed six consecutive matches. During his absence, the team's record was one draw and five losses. He has now returned to action this month, making substitute appearances in the last two league matches and is expected to be in the starting lineup for this match.
2. Athletic Bilbao drew 0-0 away to Elche CF in the last league match, remaining unbeaten in two consecutive games, showing signs of improved form recently.

[(Athletic Bilbao) Neutral]:
1. Both teams haven't met in the past. It will be their first encounter in history.

[(Athletic Bilbao) Weakness]:
1. Athletic Bilbao have performed poorly in this season's UEFA Champions League, losing their first two matches in the league phase against Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, suffering two consecutive defeats in the competition.
2. Athletic Bilbao's offensive firepower is limited. They have scored 4 goals in the last 5 official matches, and they were held scoreless in 2 of them.
3. Although Athletic Bilbao have a solid defense in the league, being one of the teams with the second-fewest goals conceded in La Liga, they have already let in six goals in their two UEFA Champions League matches, indicating that their defensive performance in continental competitions has been less than ideal.
4. Athletic Bilbao's recent home form has been inconsistent, with the team receiving only two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five official home matches, resulting in a win rate of just 40%.
5. Athletic Bilbao failed to win any of the last 8 consecutive official matches in AH with a terrible trend.

[(Qarabag) Strength]:
1. Qarabag forward Abdellah Zoubir scored the winning goal in the last league match, securing all three points for the team on the road. Having contributed one goal and one assist in the previous two UEFA Champions League games, he remains the absolute offensive cornerstone of the squad.
2. Qarabag beat Turan Tovuz 2-1 in the last league match on the road, making it 6 consecutive official wins. During this impressive run, they also claimed notable victories in the UEFA Champions League against SL Benfica and F.C. Copenhagen, demonstrating strong form in European competitions.
3. Qarabag's offensive firepower is strong. They have scored 10 goals in the last 5 official matches, averaging 2 goals per game.
4. Qarabag's defensive ability is especially outstanding. They have conceded only 1 goal in the last 5 official matches, including 4 clean sheets.
5. Qarabag are quite competitive on the road as they have won all 6 official away matches so far this season.

[(Qarabag) Weakness]:
1. Qarabag have faced Spanish opponents six times in their history, recording two draws and four defeats in those meetings. They are currently on a 4-game losing streak against Spanish clubs, with their most recent encounter being a 3-0 away loss to Villarreal CF in the 2020-21 UEFA Europa League.

[Tips]:
Athletic Bilbao, currently unbeaten in their last two consecutive league matches, have shown signs of a resurgence in form.

However, their attacking firepower remains gloomy, and their home performances have been inconsistent.

Qarabag have emerged as the dark horse of this season's UEFA Champions League, securing their place in the main tournament after playing three qualifying rounds and remarkably winning both of their opening matches in the league phase.

The team have excelled in both attack and defense, particularly showcasing strong form in away matches.

Athletic Bilbao have lost both UEFA Champions League matches so far. Their key forward Nico Williams has returned from injury, but his match fitness remains mediocre.

Given the team's overall performance, it's hard for them to grab a comfortable win.

Therefore, Qarabag may lose this match by no more than one goal.

[Recommended]:
Athletic Bilbao (-1.5)