Preview and betting odds for Elche vs Athletic Bilbao at 19:00 on October 19, 2025, La Liga 2025/26

Athletic Bilbao, managed by Ernesto Valverde, recently ended a 6-game winless streak, including 5 losses, with a 2-1 win over Mallorca. With 3 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses, the "Lions" have 13 points. They started the season strongly with 3 consecutive wins against Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano, and Real Betis, but recent poor form has dropped them to 8th place. Athletic’s attack, led by Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta, is a strength, but their defense remains unstable, especially on the road (1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss in 3 away games).

In their last 5 meetings, Elche and Athletic Bilbao have each won twice, with one draw. The most recent match in May 2023 saw Elche win 1-0 away. Considering current form (Elche scored 8 goals, Athletic 9 in their last 5 games), the match is expected to be very balanced, but Elche might use their home advantage to earn points.

Elche have home advantage and consistent form, but Athletic Bilbao possess a stronger squad and have regained confidence. The match is expected to be closely fought, with a likely draw.

Team news for Elche vs Athletic Bilbao

Elche: Absent: Grady Diangana (injured), David Affengruber (suspended). Doubtful: Hector Fort, Adria Pedrosa.

Athletic Bilbao: Absent: Benat Prados, Unai Egiluz (injured), Yeray Alvarez (suspended). Doubtful: Mikel Vesga, Oihan Sancet, Alex Berenguer.

Expected lineups for Elche vs Athletic Bilbao

Elche (4-4-2): Pena; Chust, Donald, Bigas; Nunez, Mendoza, Febas, Aguado, Valera; Mir, Silva.

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simon; Areso, Paredes, Vivian, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I Williams, Navarro, N Williams; Guruzeta.

Head-to-head and recent form of Elche vs Athletic Bilbao

Elche recent form

05/10/25: Alaves 3 - 1 Elche (La Liga)

28/09/25: Elche 2 - 1 Celta Vigo (La Liga)

26/09/25: Osasuna 1 - 1 Elche (La Liga)

21/09/25: Elche 1 - 0 Real Oviedo (La Liga)

13/09/25: Sevilla 2 - 2 Elche (La Liga)

Athletic Bilbao recent form

04/10/25: Athletic Bilbao 2 - 1 Mallorca (La Liga)

28/09/25: Villarreal 1 - 0 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

24/09/25: Athletic Bilbao 1 - 1 Girona (La Liga)

21/09/25: Valencia 2 - 0 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

15/09/25: Athletic Bilbao 2 - 0 Real Betis (La Liga)

Head-to-head record Elche vs Athletic Bilbao

29/05/23: Athletic Bilbao 0 - 1 Elche (La Liga)

11/09/22: Elche 1 - 4 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

03/04/22: Athletic Bilbao 2 - 1 Elche (La Liga)

17/08/21: Elche 0 - 0 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

22/05/21: Elche 2 - 0 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

Predicted score: Elche 1 - 1 Athletic Bilbao