La Liga wraps up for the year with a mouthwatering clash between Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol at San Mames on Monday, 22 December 2025.
View our free Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol predictions below.
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Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol predictions: Low-scoring affair
Key stats
- Fewer than three goals were scored in six of Athletic Bilbao's last seven matches.
- Five of Espanyol's last six games went below the 2.5-goal line.
- Espanyol have won four consecutive La Liga games.
Correct score prediction: Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Espanyol
Despite being the favourites, it is important to note that Athletic Bilbao did not score a single goal in regulation time in their last three matches.
On the other hand, Espanyol are currently on a four-game winning streak in La Liga, and their last three wins were by the same 1-0 scoreline.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Espanyol up against it
- HOME: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.9%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 19/5 (4.80) – 20.8%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Athletic Bilbao needed extra time to defeat Primera Federacion side Ourense in the Copa del Rey last time out. Ernesto Valverde's troops have not been very consistent in La Liga, winning three and losing five of their last eight league games.
On the other hand, Espanyol have been nothing short of impressive, winning four league games in a row and keeping three consecutive clean sheets in the process.
Ahead of this skirmish, Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao are fifth and eighth in the Spanish top flight, respectively.
Despite Espanyol's fine form, Athletic Bilbao are the expected winners at 8/11 (1.73). Teams with these odds generally have a 57.9% 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 Espanyol predictions.
It is also important to note that three of Athletic Bilbao’s last four matches across all competitions went below the 1.5-goal threshold. Keeping in mind that fewer than two goals were scored in each of Espanyol's last four games, under 1.5 total goals has an appealing look at 2/1 (3.00). That one has a 33.3% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Bilbao have bragging rights
Athletic Bilbao have been the dominant side in their recent encounters with Espanyol, as they are unbeaten in four consecutive clashes between these teams (W3, D1).
Spain La Liga 16/02/25
Espanyol
Athletic Bilbao
Spain La Liga 19/10/24
Athletic Bilbao
Espanyol
Spain La Liga 08/04/23
Espanyol
Athletic Bilbao
Spain Copa del Rey 18/01/23
Athletic Bilbao
Espanyol
Spain La Liga 04/09/22
Athletic Bilbao
Espanyol
Athletic Bilbao preview: Injury woes persist
Athletic Club have a long list of absentees ahead of this clash. Unai Egiluz (knee), Maroan Sannadi (meniscus), Aymeric Laporte (leg), and Benat Prados (knee) are all out of this game, while Yuri Berchiche (hamstring) and Robert Navarro (thigh) could both stay out as well due to fitness concerns.
Daniel Vivian has accumulated the maximum allowable number of yellow cards and will be suspended for this contest, while Yeray Alvarez remains banned until next April for doping.
Although the absence of Laporte could affect the team's defensive solidity, the attacking quartet of Oihan Sancet, the Williams brothers, and Gorku Guruzeta should pose a significant threat in their bid to return to winning ways in La Liga.
Predicted lineup: Simon (GK), Areso, Vesga, Paredes, Boiro, Galarreta, Jauregizar, I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams & Guruzeta.
Last five matches
- Ourense 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
- Celta 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
- Athletic Bilbao 0-0 PSG
- Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Atletico Madrid
- Athletic Bilbao 0-3 Real Madrid
Espanyol preview: Looking to extend their winning streak
Javi Puado, with a knee issue, Roberto Fernandez, with back problems, and Ramon Terrats, who still nurses a hamstring injury, are all ruled out of this game, while Charles Pickel is unavailable due to AFCON involvement with DR Congo.
The absence of Roberto Fernandez, who has scored four times in the league for Espanyol, remains a big blow for the team, but the presence of Pere Milla, Edu Exposito and Kike Garcia means the Catalunya outfit have enough creativity and firepower in their ranks to continue their impressive winning streak in the top flight.
Predicted lineup: Dmitrovic (GK), Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero, Jofre, Gonzalez, Exposito, Milla, Garcia & Dolan.
Last five matches
- Getafe 0-1 Espanyol
- Espanyol 1-0 Rayo
- Atletico Baleares 1-0 Espanyol
- Celta Vigo 0-1 Espanyol
- Espanyol 2-1 Sevilla
Player to watch: Edu Exposito
Edu Exposito set up the only goal in Espanyol's 1-0 win at Getafe last time out. Although the former Eibar midfielder is yet to score in the Spanish top flight this season, he has registered five assists in 15 league assignments. Exposito will be called upon to provide goals on Monday night.