Against All Odds: Villarreal to give us a late morning boost

Athletic Bilbao v Villarreal
Wednesday January 6, 11:00 GMT

This is the first leg of a last 16 Copa del Rey tie and it's arguably the pick of the bunch. The hosts are sixth in La Liga and come into the match on a four match undefeated streak while the visitors haven't lost in seven and have won five on the bounce.

I wouldn't imagine that either club will field their strongest XI but it shouldn't be too far off, especially in Villarreal's case as they have an easier fixture at the weekend, and they play on the Sunday, whereas Bilbao travel to Sevilla on Saturday.

There is no doubting the home record of Ernesto Valverde's side but they have been beaten twice this year in front of their own fans. Admittedly they did come against Barcelona and Real Madrid, but the latter especially have looked wobbly on the road this season.

Marcelino's men have won their last two on their travels and while they have been turned over three times away from home in the league this year, they couldn't come into the game in better form.

These two last met in September and Villarreal ran out 3-1 winners, so with Athletic Bilbao trading at around the 1.91 mark, I have to make them my lay of the day.

Recommended Bet
Lay Athletic Bilbao v Villarreal @ 1.91