Preview: Alaves-Athletic

In-form Athletic Bilbao will be looking to leapfrog Villarreal into fifth place in La Liga when they take on Basque rivals Alaves this Sunday.

Alaves boss Mauricio Pellegrino on the game: “I’ve encountered many fans on the streets and everyone pushes you, they tell you that it’s a special match.

“It’s true that they need the victory, but we do as well and I hope [my players] make a note of that.”

Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde on his future: “When we have to talk about it, we will.

“I’m very pleased with the respect that the fans have shown me. I’m not much on my own, but with the affection that they show me every day, it’s enough.

“I’ve always been recognised in Bilbao and I like being calm. Our President is a rock and we have to thank him. Our support is also incredible.

“He’s the best thing we have, he’s the one that holds everything together. He doesn’t have to always give news, but give stability to the club.”

Alaves (probable): Pacheco; Femenia, Ely, Feddal, Theo; Marcos, Manu; Edgar, Camarasa, Ibai, Deyverson

Injuries/suspensions: Galilea, Laguardia

Athletic (probable): Kepa; De Marcos, Yeray, Laporte, Balenziaga; San Jose, Benat; Williams, Raul Garcia, Muniain; Aduriz

Injuries/suspensions: None

Referee: Martinez Munuera

Form guide: Alaves (W D D W L) Athletic (W W W W L)

Previous meeting: Alaves 0-0 Athletic

Kick-off time: 11:00 BST/12:00 local time

La Liga - Club News