Atletico Madrid can cut Barça’s lead with win at Athletic Bilbao

Atletico Madrid will be looking to bounce back on the domestic front following their hugely disappointing loss to Juventus in the UEFA Champions League this past week. Diego Simeone will need to make sure his side is properly focused for the trip to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday afternoon where a victory would see them cut Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table down to four points – temporarily, at least.

Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid Game Center

Athletic needs to maintain strong home form

Bilbao endured a desperately poor first half to the season and as a result is languishing in 12th place, a huge 11 points off a place in the top four. However, they have seen a huge improvement over recent weeks thanks in no small part to their impressive home form – they are now unbeaten in their last nine outings in front of their own fans.

Atletico, by way of comparison, looks to be back on track itself after a slight wobble. They have won their last four league matches on the bounce, and a win here would see them cut the lead between second and first down to just four points.

And while the betting is close, it is Atletico Madrid that comes in as the slight favorite to pick up the points. You can back the visitors to make it five league wins in a row at just +125, while Athletic, despite home advantage, is out at +270 to collect the win. A draw is priced in the middle at +200.

Atletico to edge close encounter

Despite Athletic’s impressive recent home form, we are expecting Atletico to maintain its recent winning streak and eke out a win in what should be a closely fought contest. It is never easy trying to predict the score in a football match, but a narrow 2-1 win for Atletico Madrid is priced at +900 and could well be worth backing when you consider Atletico’s recent resurgence and their need to keep the pressure on defending champion and current table topper Barcelona.

Such a result would then also allow you to back OVER 2.5 goals in the game, which is priced at +175, as well as both teams to score, which is at the slightly lower price of +120. However, if you are looking to push those potential winnings higher, then you should consider employing a method known as combo betting, which allows you to select multiple outcomes at higher odds.

For example, a combo bet of an Atletico Madrid win, coupled with both teams to score, is at the much higher price of +550, while an away victory and OVER 2.5 goals in the game is at +375. OVER 2.5 goals and both teams to score comes in at +225.

Atletico boasts the better technical quality

There is simply no denying that Atletico Madrid has the better technical players, and we are expecting that class and ability to shine through over the course of the 90 minutes. It is also worth pointing out that Atletico Madrid boasts the best defensive record in the division, and could well end up winning this game to nil (without Athletic Bilbao scoring a goal), an outcome you can back at +220.

Atletico, meanwhile, is at higher odds to score in both halves (+350) and to go out and actually win both halves (+800). Given the fact that this Atletico side has always been about ruthless efficiency under Diego Simeone, we think these outcomes are unlikely.

In terms of goalscorers, Antoine Griezmann will be Atletico’s best chance of finding the back of the net, as usual. You can back the World Cup Sportsbook to score at any time at +150, while he is at +375 to score either the first or the last goal of the game.