Athletic Club – Alaves

Athletic Club host Alaves in what promises to be a pivotal clash in the top half of the table, with the Basque side sitting third on ten points after three wins, a draw and a loss, and boasting a healthy +6 goal difference. The hosts, languishing in ninth place with seven points from two victories, a draw and two defeats, have struggled to convert their narrow 7‑6 scoring edge into higher placement. Alaves enter the game as clear favourites, having out‑scored their opponents by eleven to five, while Athletic will be desperate to close the gap and climb out of the lower mid‑table. The two teams have not met this season, but the disparity in recent form suggests a tight contest could still see the home side pull off a surprise.