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

[(Athletic Bilbao) Strength]:
1. Athletic Bilbao are playing at home in this match, and the team are determined to defend their home ground, with no doubt about their fighting spirit.
2. Athletic Bilbao defeated Valencia 2-1 away in the Copa del Rey last round, ending their previous three-match winless streak (one draw, two losses) in official matches and effectively boosting the team's morale.
3. Athletic Bilbao have shown steady and consistent performance in attack, scoring in each of their last seven official matches, totaling 14 goals with an average of 2 goals per game. This demonstrates good offensive organization and efficient finishing, with overall firepower output being commendable.
4. In the last five encounters between the two teams, Athletic Bilbao have remained unbeaten with two wins and three draws, holding the upper hand in head-to-head records.

[(Athletic Bilbao) Weakness]:
1. Athletic Bilbao's recent home performance has been consistently poor, with only two draws and two losses in their last four official home matches, failing to secure a single win. Their efficiency in earning points at home has been noticeably insufficient.
2. Athletic Bilbao lack sufficient attacking sharpness at home, and their defense has repeatedly shown vulnerabilities. The overall offensive and defensive rhythm has not been effectively controlled, making it difficult to translate home advantage into tangible results. The team urgently need to adjust their form to regain home competitiveness.

[(Levante UD) Strength]:
1. Levante are playing away in this match, and the team also have the need to secure points, with no doubt about their fighting spirit.
2. Levante drew 0-0 at home against Atletico Madrid in the last league match, remaining unbeaten in their last two matches with one win and one draw. Over a longer period, their record in the last six league matches is two wins, three draws, and one loss, with the only defeat coming away to the strong Real Madrid. Their overall form is commendable.
3. Levante have shown solid defensive performance, conceding only six goals in their last six league matches, averaging one goal per game, and keeping two clean sheets. Their defensive organization has been orderly, and their ability to withstand pressure has significantly improved, serving as a key factor in their recent point accumulation.

[(Levante UD) Weakness]:
1. Levante's away performance this season has been generally weak, with only three wins, two draws, and six losses in 11 league away matches, resulting in a win rate of just 27%.
2. In their last four league away matches, Levante failed to score in three of them, with their attack repeatedly falling silent and their goal-scoring ability noticeably lacking.
3. Levante have averaged less than one goal per game in 10 official matches, failing to score in five of them.

[Tips]:
Athletic Bilbao defeated Valencia 2-1 away in the Copa del Rey last round. This crucial victory not only ended their previous three-match winless streak (one draw, two losses) in official matches but also greatly boosted the team's morale, restoring their confidence and match rhythm. Playing at San Mames Stadium has always been a significant advantage for Athletic Bilbao, as the home atmosphere and tactical execution often enable the team to perform exceptionally well. On the other hand, Levante have also been in stable form recently, drawing 0-0 at home against Atletico Madrid in the last league match and remaining unbeaten in their last two matches with one win and one draw. Over a longer stretch, they have only suffered one defeat in their last six league matches鈥攁 loss away to the formidable Real Madrid鈥攄emonstrating resilience, solid defensive organization, and efficient counterattacks. Overall, Athletic Bilbao are expected to take control of the match and secure three points, leveraging their home advantage, improved morale, and institutional support, making a home win the preferred choice.

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