This season has been less than impressive for both of these teams especially when you consider how much they overachieved last season. They have both been eliminated from the Europa League and they may struggle to get in there at the end of this season.
Villarreal may still be sixth on the league table, but they have already lost as many games as they did for the whole of last season. Their record is still a lot better than that of Athletic who are going to end this season in one of their worst shape since the turn of the century.
Bilbao have netted just the average of a goal per game this season with the ageing Aduritz one of the major reason. Inaki Williams is still yet to come in with the goal on a regular basis and they would be hoping this season can end soon so they can get a good front man.
Athletic bilbao have lost 53% of their away matches this season with them also picking up less than one point per game on their travels.
Villarreal beat Atletico Madrid in their most recent home game, and although they have also lost to Malaga recently, they would be confident of another win in this game.
