Athletic Club Bilbao - Mallorca predictions and free betting tips [06/04/2024]

On Saturday, 6th April, within the frame of the Spanish Cup final, Athletic Bilbao will host Mallorca on their home field. The Basque club, second only to Barcelona, has won 31 titles, while the "Islanders" lifted the trophy only once in 2003.

Predicted Lineups

'Athletic': Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Lekue; Prados, Vesga; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta.
'Mallorca': Greif; Copete, Nastasic, Raillo; Gonzalez, Samu, Darder, D Rodriguez, Lato; Muriqi, Marin.

Stadium

The match will be held in Bilbao at the San Mames Stadium.

Athletic Bilbao

Reaching 3 finals in the last 4 seasons, it's clear that the Basque club aims to win the Copa del Rey and secure a slot in the Europa League this year. In the national championship, the 'Lions' hold the 5th spot in the league table, trailing behind Atletico Madrid by two points with 8 rounds to go. Last weekend, the Stripes faced Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu and lost (2:0) understandably.

This defeat was untimely for Ernesto Valverde's disciples who had a four-match unbeaten streak in all contests including three wins — over the 'Mattress Makers' in the Cup semi-final (3:0) and victories in La Liga over Las Palmas (0:2) and Alaves at home (2:0). Reflecting on the Basques' track record in this tournament, it's worth noting that the nominal hosts ousted Eibar (0:3) and Barcelona (4:2 after extra time) in the previous rounds. 

Mallorca

Mallorca is aiming not only to win the tournament, but also to secure a berth in the Europa League. The 'Islanders' weren't favoured in the previous rounds' showdowns but still delivered excellent performances, beating Girona in the quarterfinals (3:2) and then Real Sociedad in the penalty shootout in the semi-finals. Currently 15th in the La Liga standings, Mallorca is mostly fighting to retain its top-flight status, which should not be too difficult considering their 6-point lead from Cadiz in the relegation zone.

Last weekend, the yellow-and-orange went to Valencia and held to a goalless draw, a week after their 1:0 victory over Granada. Astoundingly, the nominal guests lost only one of their last six matches in all competitions! Valent from Mallorca is injured, with Oscar Mascarell’s participation still awaiting confirmation after getting hurt in last weekend's match against Valencia. 

Head to Head

This season, Athletic had no problems in getting the better of Mallorca at San Mames (4:0), making up for the 0:0 draw in the first leg at La Palma. Interestingly, in the last 13 encounters with the 'Islanders', the Basques succumbed just once, emerging victorious from eight.

Athletic vs Mallorca Match Prediction

After a catastrophic defeat in last year's semi-finals to Osasuna, and two unsuccessful attempts in the finals against Real Sociedad and Barcelona, the Basques are thirsty to lift the prestigious trophy and secure a Europa League ticket. However, it won’t be easy: Mallorca has been on a good run in recent weeks and has lost only once in their last six matches. Still, it seems the 'Islanders' have already outdone themselves and the class is bound to make its mark. I'm backing the nominal hosts to triumph.

Total Prediction

Just one of the last four head-to-head matches between these teams featured an exchange of goals. I'm not anticipating an open shootout this time around – my bet is on the overall total under 2.5.

Corner Prediction

Athletic surpasses the opponent in class and boasts quality attacking flanks – it's sensible to wager that the Basques will gain the upper hand in corners.

Yellow Cards Prediction

In any tournament final, passions on the pitch run high, and players won't restrain their emotions – I'm placing a bet on the overall total of yellow cards over 3.5.

Score Prediction

I'm betting on an exact score of 1:0 in favour of Athletic.