Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao are the two most improved clubs in the La Liga this season. Their league positions reflect their progress. Bilbao is fourth in the league and Villarreal is fifth. Under the prevailing circumstances fourth position is the maximum a club in the Spanish league can realistically aspire to reach. The top three of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have pulled away in terms of quality and team strength too far from the rest.

This match, Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao at the Estadio El Madrigal in a late Monday kick-off, is important because it could determine who will end up at the fourth position. Bilbao is a strong favourite to retain the status quo, as they have a seven-point lead over Villarreal. But a home win would see some interesting scenarios.

The H2H statistics back Villarreal – 10 wins in the last 15 against Athletic. Furthermore, Bilbao has not won at Villarreal for a decade or so. Their last away win against Villarreal came in 2004. While that piece of stats should give the Yellow Submarines confidence, their recent form must bring them nightmares. They have won just one of their last five games.

Atletic Bilbao have shown better recent form: five wins and just one loss in the last nine games. The Basque side has shown more attacking intent as well.

Ibai Gomez is a doubtful starter for Bilbao. They would expect Aritz Aduriz and Markel Susaeta to do the job. Villarreal rely on the skill and marksmanship of Ikechukwu Uche and Giovani Dos Santos.

Villarreal-Athletic Prediction

Draw  3.30 @ Bet365.com

Villarreal-Athletic Live Stream

You can watch and bet on Villarreal-Athletic live at bet365.com

1) Go to Bet365.com website

2) Sign in or register if you dont have an account

3) Go to Live in-play section