Athletic Bilbao vs Rapid Vienna
Football : Europe : UEFA Europa League
Thursday 29th September - Kickoff 20:05
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao made a terrible start to the Europa League in match day 1 losing 3-0 at Sassuolo. With Thursday's opponents Rapid Vienna winning their opener this is a game they can not afford to lose.
The Spaniards haven't drawn a game this season, with 4 wins and 3 losses. The defeat in Italy was a shock as domestically Bilbao have won 4 in a row.
In last year's Europa League Athletic Bilbao made the quarter finals losing to eventual winners Sevilla. At home they finished with a 5-2-1 record with only Sevilla winning at the San Mamés Stadium.
Rapid Vienna
Rapid Vienna were impressive in their 3-2 home win over Genk in matchday 1. Having gone through 2 qualifying rounds to make the Group Stages they are relishing the opportunity to improve on last seasons impressive run to the last 32.
Rapid Vienna were beaten in both legs by Spaniards Valencia last season (10-0 agg) which is a concern. They also lost 1-0 at Villarreal in the Group Stages but they won the home tie 2-1 in Vienna.
This side wasn't involved in any draws in last season's campaign winning 5 and losing 3. As mentioned above all 3 defeats coming against Spanish sides with 2 away from home.
Betting Verdict
I like Athletic Bilbao to win this game against Rapid Vienna and draw level with their opponents in Group F. Rapid Vienna haven't won in Spain and enter this game with a 0-2-5 record on Spanish soil. Rapid Vienna have also failed to score in their last 3 visits.
The host have goals in them and if we get an early goal I see them pulling away from Rapid Vienna. I will take Athletic Bilbao -1 AH is don't see them dropping points on Thursday.
Rapid Vienna were crushed by Valencia 6-0 away last season who then lost to Bilbao so I feel there's a big gulf between these sides. The loss to Sassuolo by the hosts has since been met with 3 straight league wins and I expect another on Thursday.
Head To Head
The sides haven't previously met.
Stats
There have been over 2.5 goals in all of Athletic's last 4 matches and in 6 of Rapid's last 8 Europa League games.
Team News
Athletic may opt to leave main striker Aduriz on the bench with a league game at the weekend in mind however he is sure to be utilised in the 2nd Half of this game if needs be. Muniain and Sabin may rotate in.
Büskens is likely to name a similar side to the one that faced Genk in their first group game.
