Ath Bilbao vs Hertha Berlin - Match Preview
22 Nov 2017 Tampines -Tanjong Pagar INTERNATIONAL CLUBS: UEFA Europa League, Group J
INTERNATIONAL CLUBS: UEFA Europa League, Group J
Athletic Bilbao
- D
- L
- W
- L
- D
vs
Hertha BSC
- L
- W
- W
- D
- L
Kick-off
18:00 GMT
23 November 2017
The UEFA Europa League is in full swing and we are into the business end of the group stages as the teams competing in Europe’s secondary tournament play their fifth matches this Thursday. One of the biggest ties of the round is in Group J as Hertha Berlin travel from the German capital to Spain to face Athletic Bilbao. The two sides are out of contention for qualification for the knockout stages at the moment as the hosts are 3rd while their upcoming opponents are 4th. However, both teams are within reaching distance of Ostersunds, who are top of the group.
STATS
- After a great campaign last season, it has been the complete opposite for Athletic Bilbao this term as they are 15th in La Liga and struggling to qualify in Group J. After picking up just two points in their first three European matches, they secured their first win of the group in their last game as they beat group leaders, Ostersunds 1-0 at home. They went into the group as favourites to finish first and despite their poor efforts so far, they can still do that.
- Hertha Berlin are currently experiencing the same form as their Europa League opponents. They are 14th in the Bundesliga and sit bottom of the group and if they don’t get a win in this game, their European fate could be all-but sealed. Like their opponents, Hertha picked up their only win of the group in the last match week against Zorya which increased their slim chances of qualification dramatically.
- Bilbao have only scored three goals in the Europa League this season, two of them have come from Aritz Aduriz with the other coming from Iñaki Williams.
- Like Bilbao, Hertha Berlin have just three goals in their four matches. However, Davie Selke has scored all of their Europa League goals and it was thanks to his brace that they beat Zorya.
HEAD TO HEAD
The only previous fixture between these two sides came in the reverse match in Group J and it ended as a goalless stalemate. Neither side could force a way through but it was Hertha who dominated the game with 19 shots compared to Bilbao’s 12. Despite the lack of goals, it wasn’t a boring match and it came down to the fact that neither side produced a chance that could be classed as clear-cut.
Head to head matches: Athletic Bilbao - Hertha BSC
| 14.09.2017 | UEFA |
Hertha BSC | Athletic Bilbao | 0:0 |
ATHLETIC BILBAO NEWS
Anything less than a win in this one for Bilbao won’t be good enough and a loss will see their chances of progression massively reduced. They have a few star players missing for the clash as Iker Muniain and Beñat miss out through injury while Unai Nuñez is suspended. One positive sees Oscar De Marcos return to the squad.
Latest matches: Athletic Bilbao
| 19.11.2017 |  LaLi |
Athletic Bilbao | Villarreal CF | 1:1 | D |
| 05.11.2017 | LaLi |
Celta de Vigo | Athletic Bilbao | 3:1 | L |
| 02.11.2017 | UEFA |
Athletic Bilbao | Ostersunds FK | 1:0 | W |
| 28.10.2017 | LaLi |
Athletic Bilbao | FC Barcelona | 0:2 | L |
| 25.10.2017 | Copa |
SD Formentera | Athletic Bilbao | 1:1 | D |
HERTHA BERLIN NEWS
A loss to Athletic Bilbao in their fifth group game will almost definitely end their 2017/18 Europa League campaign. They have a few injury worries as Julian Schieber, Vladimir Darida, Niklas Stark and Valentin Stocker are all expected to be unavailable. Latest matches: Hertha BSC
18.11.2017
BundHertha BSC
Monchengladbach
2:4
L
05.11.2017
BundVfL Wolfsburg
Hertha BSC
3:3
D
02.11.2017
UEFAHertha BSC
FC Zorya Lugansk
2:0
W
28.10.2017
BundHertha BSC
Hamburger SV
2:1
W
25.10.2017
DFB Hertha BSC
1 FC Cologne
1:3
L
SUMMARY
Prior to this season, this would’ve been seen as a decent European fixture but with the decline of both sides, it’s not necessarily seen as that now. They will both be desperate to win to keep their hopes of making the knock-out stages alive but one side must suffer as a result. With home advantage, it is Athletic Bilbao who go into the game as favourites but it could go down to which side shows more passion and fight. Neither side can afford to drop points so it should be a good game.
23 November 2017 - 18:00 GMT
INTERNATIONAL CLUBS: UEFA Europa League, Group JAbout the author - Tampines -Tanjong Pagar
- Tampines: Tampines Football Club, also known as Tampines Rovers, is a professional soccer team based in Singapore. They compete in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and have a rich history in Singaporean football. Here are some key points to consider about Tampines:
Strengths:
- Experienced Squad: Tampines Rovers have a good mix of experienced players who bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team.
- Strong Attack: The team boasts several talented attacking players who are capable of creating scoring opportunities and finding the back of the net.
- Consistent Performers: Tampines Rovers have been consistently competitive in the SPL, often finishing near the top of the league table.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: At times, Tampines Rovers have shown vulnerabilities in their defense, which can lead to conceding goals.
- Inconsistency: While they have had successful campaigns in the past, there have been instances where they struggled to maintain a consistent performance level.
- Tanjong Pagar: Tanjong Pagar United Football Club is another Singaporean soccer team that participates in the Singapore Premier League. After a hiatus, they made a return to the league in recent years. Here's an assessment of Tanjong Pagar:
Strengths:
- Resurgence: After their return to the SPL, Tanjong Pagar has shown resilience and determination to re-establish themselves as a competitive team.
- Young Talent: The team has invested in young players, giving them opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities.
- Fighting Spirit: Tanjong Pagar has displayed a never-give-up attitude, often putting up spirited performances even against stronger opponents.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Squad Depth: Tanjong Pagar may face challenges due to a relatively smaller squad and fewer resources compared to some other teams in the league.
- Defensive Fragility: The team has struggled with defensive solidity at times, leading to conceding goals more frequently.
Overall, Tampines Rovers have a stronger track record and a more established presence in the Singapore Premier League. They possess experienced players and have a history of competitive performances. On the other hand, Tanjong Pagar is a team that has been rebuilding and showing signs of progress. While they may face challenges, they have displayed resilience and a commitment to improvement.
It's important to note that soccer teams' performance can vary over time, so it's always a good idea to keep up with the latest news and updates on their progress.
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