La Liga 2025-2026: Athletic Bilbao-Espanyol, the probable formations

The 17th day of La Liga closes on Monday night at 9 p.m. at the San Mames with Athletic Bilbao-Espanyol, a challenge that pits two teams facing each other that are living opposite moments. The Basques continue to struggle: the loss to Celta Vigo, their third in the last five matches, left them stuck in seventh place. It’s a different atmosphere at home to Espanyol, one of La Liga’s brightest surprises: The success with Getafe strengthened the Catalans’ European ambitions, as they continue to chase the Champions League dream.

Valverde will restart with the starting quartet in attack: Nico Williams once again starring on the flank, while on the other side his brother Inaki returns after his recent injury. Sancet will act centrally on the three-quarter, with Guruzeta the only offensive reference.

On the other side González relies on Fernandez in attack, with Dolan, Exposito and Milla in support in the three-quarter. Midfield dike formed by the Lozano-González duo, defense headed by the Calero-Cabrera pair.

Probable lineups

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simon; Areso, Monreal, Paredes, Boiro; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; I.Williams, Sancet, N.Williams; Guruzeta. Coach: Valverde.

Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Lozano-Gonzalez; Dolan, Exposito, Milla; Fernandez. Coach: Gonzalez.