Preview: Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao - prediction, team news, lineups

[(Valencia CF) Strength]:
1. Valencia CF have been performing exceptionally well at home recently, having remained unbeaten in their last six consecutive home games.
2. Valencia CF have shown stable resilience at home, suffering only three defeats in their last 19 matches on their own turf.
3. In this cup competition, Valencia CF have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four matches, securing victory on each of those occasions.
4. Valencia CF have scored a total of 10 goals in the last 4 matches of this tournament, averaging 2.5 goals per game.
5. In the last three home games against Athletic Bilbao, Valencia CF conceded only one goal, demonstrating a decent defensive performance.

[(Valencia CF) Neutral]:
1. Valencia CF have received a record of 4 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats in their last 10 home games against Athletic Bilbao.

[(Valencia CF) Weakness]:
1. Valencia CF lost away to Real Betis in the last league match, ending their previous three-game winning streak.

[(Athletic Bilbao) Strength]:
1. Athletic Bilbao's recent form has been poor. Since mid-December, Athletic Bilbao have only won one of their last 12 matches.

[(Athletic Bilbao) Neutral]:
1. Athletic Bilbao have seen goals scored in the first half in each of their last nine consecutive matches.

[(Athletic Bilbao) Weakness]:
1. Athletic Bilbao's 6 consecutive games ended with BTTS. Their offense is decent, but their defense is poor.
2. Athletic Bilbao have conceded at least two goals in nine of their last 11 matches, highlighting significant issues in their defense.
3. Athletic Bilbao have struggled in this competition. In their two previous Copa del Rey matches, they were taken to extra time by lower-league opponents before managing to secure victories and advance.
4. Athletic Bilbao have conceded goals in the first half in each of their last five consecutive away matches, indicating a slow defensive start when playing on the road.

[Tips]:
Valencia CF have focused their energy on domestic competitions this season, whereas Athletic Bilbao are also burdened with Champions League commitments and a congested fixture list. Athletic Bilbao's form has been poor since mid-December, managing just one win, and their defensive performances have deteriorated further.

In contrast, Valencia CF have maintained a solid record at home.

The two sides have an even record in their last ten encounters.

With home field advantage, Valencia CF are backed to avoid defeat in this fixture.

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