Our prediction for this Copa del Rey match:
Athletic Bilbao
Match Time & Date:
16/01/2024
21:00
Prediction: 1-1
Alaves
Estadio San Mames will be the centre of attention when Athletic Club and Deportivo Alaves lock horns in a highly-anticipated Copa del Rey game. The Lions proved their worth in a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad at the weekend and they are seen as favourites to win yet another Basque derby as well. In Inaki Williams’ absence due to international duty, Gorka Guruzeta is widely expected to lead the line for the hosts, while Dani Garcia continues to miss out with injury.
Los Babazorros, on the other hand, did well to beat Sevilla at Pizjuan (3-2) thanks to Ruben Duarte’s late goal. The 28-year-old defender is widely expected to return to the starting XI, while both Jesus Owono and Abdelkebir Abqar are on international duty. Anyhow, under 2.5 goals betting option should be considered as the visitors are likely to adopt a defence-minded approach in the local derby.
Highlighted Player (Iker Muniain):
Iker Muniain was once considered one of the most talented players in Spain, but he obviously failed to reach his full potential. Munian is an attacking midfielder, who is capable of playing as a forward as well and he began his youth career at Chantrea. In 2005 he made probably the best decision of his career as he joined Athletic Bilbao youth academy.
He made his debut for Athletic Bilbao on 30 July, 2009 in a 1-0 loss to Young Boys in the Europa League. Iker Munian impressed in the 2011/2012 La Liga campaign with the Lions, scoring nine goals in all competitions, but he failed to make a bigger progress. The Athletic Bilbao product has been struggling with injuries and it has to be noted that the injury he suffered against Sevilla on 4 April, 2015 could have ruined his career.
However, he returned to action on 20 December, but he was playing below expectations in the second half of the season. Iker Munian made his Spain debut on 29 February, 2012 in a friendly against Venezuela. La Roja won the match 5-0 and Munian came as a substitute in the 74th minute of the match.
Highlighted Team (Alaves):
Alaves is a Spanish football club located in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava. The club were founded in 1921 and they play their home games at Estadio Mendizorrotza. The capacity of the stadium is 19,840 and it has to be noted that it is the third oldest stadium in Spanish football. After spending several years in the Spanish Segunda Division, los Babazorros returned to the top flight in 2016.
The color of Alaves’ home kit is blue and white and the club’s local rivals are fellow Basque sides Real Sociedad, Athletic Club, Osasuna and Eibar. Alaves made it to the UEFA CUP final in 2001, but they were beaten by Liverpool 5-4 in a thrilling football clash. Anyhow, that is still regarded as the club’s biggest success. Los Babazorros booked their place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on four occasions and they have yet to win the Primera Division trophy.
Brighton
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Newcastle 
Borussia Dortmund 
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West Ham
Arsenal
Chelsea 
Aston Villa 
