Valencia - Athletic Club

Valencia face a stern test of their defensive resolve as they look to move past a turbulent start to the campaign. Hosting Athletic Bilbao at Estadio Mestalla for this matchday 9 LaLiga fixture, the home side will rely on the expected starting XI featuring Jose Gaya and Pablo Maffeo to tighten a backline that has shown vulnerability in recent weeks. Following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Racing Santander on 11 October 2026, finding consistency remains the primary objective for a squad eager to climb the table.

Athletic Bilbao travel south without the services of Oihan Sancet and Aymeric Laporte, who are both sidelined due to injury. Despite these absences, the visitors arrive with a point to prove after consecutive draws against Deportivo Alaves and Elche. Their recent 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on 5 September 2026 serves as a reminder of their attacking threat, setting the stage for a competitive encounter between these two familiar rivals.