Evenly-matched clash at San Mamés

In a Liga BBVA season that is proving as engrossing as ever, every single game counts. That’s certainly the case in the clash between Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano, two sides who are in mid-table and will battle to move away from the relegation places. Separated by just two points in the standings, both outfits will be aiming to make the most of this chance to start leaving their direct rivals in their wake.

Team news
The hosts come into the fixture without the injured duo Ander Iturraspe and Guillermo Fernández, who are suffering from knee and ankle issues respectively. For the visitors from Madrid, defender Emiliano Insúa will be unavailable to coach Paco Jémez.

Views from the dugout
Home boss Ernesto Valverde is aware of the challenge his side will face against los franjirrojos, and moved to underline Rayo’s qualities as he revealed in his pre-match press conference that they "will pose a very demanding game". Meanwhile, Jémez was in bullish mood ahead of the encounter: "It’s an opportunity to put ourselves in a really good position; being the competitor I am, I don’t like to let opportunities slip, and I hope the team has the same mentality."