Overview
Athletic Bilbao have made a good start to this year's Europa League, winning 10 of their first 12 points. In all competitions, they are currently on a 7-match unbeaten run.
In the Europa League, since the draw with AS Roma in the first round, Bilbao have defeated AZ Alkmaar, Slavia Prague and Ludogorets. In the next round, they will host Swedish opponent Elfsborg at San Mames.
Coach Valverde's team is expected to have an easy match because of their superior level. Moreover, they also have an extremely impressive home record. Bilbao has only lost 1 match in the last 31 matches at San Mames.
In contrast to Bilbao, Elfsborg are having a very difficult season. In the Swedish national championship, Elfsborg have played unconvincingly and are in the middle of the rankings, 9 points behind the group for the European Cup. In the Europa League, they have only won 1, drawn 1 and lost 2.
However, Elfsborg has been showing signs of improvement recently. In the last 5 matches, they won 3 and drew 2. Elfsborg scored 10 goals during this period and only conceded 1.
However, having to travel to Bilbao's San Mames fortress is still a challenge beyond the reach of the Swedish team. Obviously, 1 point on Spanish soil is also considered a success for Elfsborg.
Athletic Bilbao and Elfsborg will be facing each other for the first time in their history. Bilbao last faced a Swedish opponent in the Europa League in 2017, when they beat Ostersunds 1-0 at home.
Human resources situation
Athletic Bilbao coach Valverde looks set to name his strongest squad for the first time this season.
On the other side of the front line, Elfsborg will once again be without veteran striker Per Frick, who has been absent for the previous five matches due to injury.
Expected lineup:
Athletic Bilbao: Simon, Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche, Ruiz de Galarreta, Prados, I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams, Guruzeta.
Elfsborg: Pettersson, Buhari, Holmen, Yegbe, Hedlund, Ouma, B. Zeneli, Hult, A. Zeneli, Baidoo, Qasem.
The match between Athletic Bilbao vs Elfsborg takes place at 0:45 am on November 29 (Vietnam time).
