Rafael Guillén
The Copa del Rey draw left some very evenly matched games, and such is the case of the clash between Athletic Bilbao vs RCD Espanyol. In La Liga they are not as evenly matched, but this is only one game and the beauty of direct elimination is that anything can happen.
For this reason, at JefeBet we are constantly working to provide you with the best sports betting information and predictions for the Copa del Rey, so here we leave you our prediction for this match between Athletic Bilbao vs RCD Espanyol.
Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the Athletic Bilbao vs RCD Espanyol Copa del Rey Round of 16 Game on January 18, 2023
- Where: San Mamés – Bilbao, Spain
- When: Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 2:00 PM E.T.
- Moneyline: Athletic Bilbao (+167) / Tie (+275) / Espanyol (+475)
- Asian Handicap: Athletic Bilbao (AH -2.5, 105), Espanyol (AH +2.5, -117)
- Over/Under (2.5): Over (+105) Under (-137)
- Both teams score: Yes (+104) / No (-139).
Odds provided by Unibet.
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Athletic Bilbao Preview
The Basque lions thrashed Eldense by a score of 1-6 in the Round of 32 and showed that they count both on a strong attack and a solid defense. In the winter preseason, they did not concede a single goal and in their return to La Liga, they register goalless draws against Betis and Osasuna.
However, they recently suffered a painful defeat against Real Sociedad, their biggest Rival, in the Basque derby by a score of 3-1. Facing a direct elimination match, after having lost a derby, should be motivation enough to leave everything in the field.
They realized that any offensive team could get them into trouble, especially on the right side, where Takefusa Kubo had a spectacular game against them. The Basques are looking for someone to pay for it and Espanyol looks like the perfect victim
Possible Lineup (4-2-3-1): Unai Simón; Oscar de Marcos, Aitor Paredes, Dani Vivian, Yuri Berchiche, Mikel Vesga, Dani García, Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, Gorka Guruzeta.
RCD Espanyol Preview
The Pericos had a good start to the year, but they need to get back on track in the league because they are 14th in the standings and if they continue losing points, they could once again face problems with relegation, as only two points separate them from the red zone.
For the same reason, they started the year well with a draw against Girona at home (2-2) and a 1-2 away win against Getafe. In addition, they made it to the round of 16 after struggling against Celta Vigo, whom they defeated 3-1 in extra time.
Their defense was reinforced with the Mexican César Montes, who has adapted well in the Perico team’s three-man defense. Diego Martínez knows that the team has to improve, and to do so they must focus on consolidating a strong defensive line.
Possible Lineup (3-4-3): Alvaro Fernandez, César Montes, Leandro Cabrera, Fernando Calero, Aleix Vidal, Sergi Darder, Vinicius Souza, Òscar Gil, Martin Braithwaithe, Javi Paudo, Joselu
JefeBet Prediction
The last time both teams faced each other was during matchday 4, and the Espanyol won 0-1 at San Mamés. But the teams have evolved and although the match will take place at La Catedral, we believe that Athletic will take the affront of La Liga and take the pass to the quarterfinals of the cup.
Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Espanyol.
