- Away record: Espanyol have conceded seven across their away matches in LaLiga 2026/2027 (1.17 conceded per match).
- League standings: Espanyol are 13th in LaLiga 2026/2027 with 12 points from 12 games, while Athletic are 7th with 16 from 11.
- Home form: Athletic have won three of their six home matches in LaLiga 2026/2027, drawing two and losing one.
Tight game expected in the Basque Country
Recent form
Espanyol have won two and lost three of their away matches in LaLiga 2026/2027, picking up one draw to make their tally 2-1-3 on their travels. The Pericos have taken three points from their last three away games, so they will have to be in control in order to take anything back from Bilbao.
The home side are a useful team to watch, having won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five matches in all competitions. They've won each of their last two home games but Edin Terzić's Leones are facing a very different proposition to both of those opponents on Friday.
Tactical matchup
While Athletic have been very strong in a 4-2-3-1 formation that presses high and counter attacks with speed, Espanyol have been more patient, operating in a 3-4-2-1 and using their wing-backs to build up play through pressure.
Athletic are a very useful team and have a lot of momentum right now so they should be able to control the tempo at San Mames but Espanyol's head-to-head record edge over the last two meetings, which they won 2-0 at home in LaLiga 2025/2026, keeps this from being a foregone conclusion.
Match prediction and key players
Backing Athletic to win and under 2.5 goals at 2.0 looks the best bet in the match result and goals market.
- Robert Navarro is Athletic's leading scorer in LaLiga 2026/2027 with two goals in five appearances, while Roberto Fernández is Espanyol's main finisher with six in seven.
- Javi Hernández is the Pericos' creative hub with four assists and that should keep this game close, although there is a strong chance Athletic can nick it at San Mames.
