An interesting fixture is on the cards as Elche visit San Mames for their La Liga encounter with Athletic Bilbao on Friday, 20 February 2026.
View our free Athletic Bilbao vs Elche predictions below.
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Athletic Bilbao vs Elche predictions: Goals expected
Key stats
- At least three goals were scored in nine of Athletic Bilbao's last 11 matches across all competitions.
- Five of Elche's last six games went above the 2.5-goal threshold.
- Elche are currently on an eight-match winless streak.
Correct score prediction: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Elche
These teams are on opposite sides when it comes to recent form. While Athletic Bilbao won three of their last four matches, Elche suffered three defeats in their last four games.
In fact, the visitors have lost three consecutive away matches and are without a win in eight consecutive games. Considering that Athletic Bilbao have the advantage of playing at home, we are confident that the Basque giants will claim all the spoils.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Athletic Bilbao priced as favourites
- HOME: 13/20 (1.65) – 60.5%
- DRAW: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
- AWAY: 4/1 (5.00) – 20%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Athletic Bilbao bounced back from last week's disappointing Copa del Rey defeat with a 2-1 win at Real Oviedo last weekend. They have now won three of their last four games, which is more wins than they had in their previous nine outings.
On the other hand, Elche's losing streak ended with a goalless draw with Osasuna last time out. Eder Sarabia's troops have won only five of their 24 La Liga games this season and are 16th in the Spanish top flight ahead of their skirmish with ninth-placed Athletic Bilbao.
Given Elche's recent struggles, it is unsurprising that Athletic Bilbao are the expected winners at 13/20 (1.65). Teams with these odds generally have a 60.5% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Athletic Bilbao vs Elche predictions.
It is also worth mentioning that both teams found the net in seven of Elche's last eight games and in nine of Athletic Bilbao's last 10 matches. For this reason, BTTS – Yes has an appealing look at 9/10 (1.90). That one has a 52.6% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Even contest
In the last six meetings between Athletic Bilbao and Elche, both teams have two wins apiece with two draws between them. Interestingly, the reverse fixture ended goalless.
Spain La Liga 19/10/25
Elche
Athletic Bilbao
Spain La Liga 28/05/23
Athletic Bilbao
Elche
Spain La Liga 11/09/22
Elche
Athletic Bilbao
Spain La Liga 03/04/22
Athletic Bilbao
Elche
Spain La Liga 16/08/21
Elche
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao preview: Few injury concerns
Long-term absentees Unai Eguiluz and Benat Prados remain sidelined for Athletic Club because of tendon ruptures.
Nico Williams has not featured for the Basque giants since the defeat to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey due to a groin issue, and the youngster remains unavailable for selection until March alongside Maroan Sannadi, who is enduring rehabilitation for a knee injury.
There are still doubts surrounding the availability of Daniel Vivian and Alex Berenguer, with both players still battling to be fit for this contest, while Yeray Alvarez remains out of action until April due to a doping violation.
Predicted lineup: Simon (GK), Gorosabel, Paredes, Laporte, Berchiche, De Galarreta, Jauregizar, Serrano, Sancet, Guruzeta & I. Williams
Last five matches
- 15/02/26: Real Oviedo 1-2 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)
- 11/02/26: Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Real Sociedad (Copa del Rey)
- 08/02/26: Athletic Bilbao 4-2 Levante (La Liga)
- 04/02/26: Valencia 1-2 Athletic Bilbao (Copa del Rey)
- 01/02/26: Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Real Sociedad (La Liga)
Elche preview: Hoping to halt their unwanted streak
Elche, meanwhile, have only Barcelona loanee Hector Fort ruled out of this clash because of a shoulder injury, with the 19-year-old defender certainly out until March.
Additionally, coach Sarabia may be without the services of Josan and Buba Sangare, as both midfielders are registered as doubtful for this trip to Bilbao. However, Rafa Mir and David Affengruber are both available for selection after the former recovered from an injury, while the latter served a one-game suspension in the barren draw with Osasuna last time out.
Predicted lineup: Pena (GK), Bigas, Chust, Petrot, Valera, Febas, Aguado, Cepeda, Morente, Rodriguez & Silva
Last five matches
- 13/02/26: Elche 0-0 Osasuna (La Liga)
- 07/02/26: Real Sociedad 3-1 Elche (La Liga)
- 31/01/26: Elche 1-3 Barcelona (La Liga)
- 23/01/26: Levante 3-2 Elche (La Liga)
- 19/01/26: Elche 2-2 Sevilla (La Liga)
Player to watch: Oihan Sancet
Oihan Sancet scored the winner in Athletic Bilbao's 2-1 win at Real Oviedo last weekend. The 25-year-old has now scored in back-to-back games and will look to extend that run to three matches.