La Liga 2026-2027: Athletic Bilbao vs. Elche, Probable Lineups

Athletic Bilbao and Elche face off at 6:30 p.m. in a match for Matchday 5 of La Liga. After a rough start (losses to Sevilla and Barcelona), the Basques quickly got back on track, defeating Celta Vigo and, most notably, Atlético Madrid 3-0 at home. Now they hope to secure a third straight win right at San Mamés, against an Elche side in serious trouble and coming off three consecutive losses.

Following the impressive victory over the Colchoneros, Terzic is sticking to his game plan: Inaki will once again lead the attack, with Nico Williams, Navarro, and Sancet supporting him. Ruiz and Gerenabarrena will anchor the midfield, while Areso and Yuri will play as fullbacks.

Elche, which has conceded 11 goals in its last three games, will field a defensive-minded lineup with a back three of Sangare, Chust, and Bigas, while Morente and Valera will play as fullbacks. In midfield, Buonanotte will partner with Morcillo and Villar, while the attacking duo consists of Nino and Ponce.

Athletic Bilbao vs. Elche: Probable Lineups
Athletic Club (4-2-3-1): Simon; Areso, Alvarez, Laporte, Yuri; Ruiz, Gerenabarrena; Navarro, Sancet, Nico Williams; Inaki. Head Coach: Terzic.
Elche (3-5-2): Dituro; Sangare, Chust, Bigas; Morente, Buonanotte, Morcillo, Villar, Valera; Nino, Ponce. Head Coach: Anselmi.

“I have a lot of confidence in what we’re doing,” explained Athletic coach Terzic. That’s what we work on in every practice and every game. The most important thing is discipline. Iñaki has played a lot on the wing and as a second striker. Now we’re using him wherever we need him. I see him playing with more confidence, making good decisions, delivering good passes, and providing assists.”