Introduction
Athletic Club welcome Deportivo Alavés to San Mamés on Saturday, 13 September, in a clash that pits early season momentum against a side seeking consistency. With the hosts flying high after a flawless start and Alavés aiming to upset the odds, this Basque derby promises both intensity and tactical intrigue as Athletic Club look to assert dominance on home soil once again.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on the current league form and a strong historical edge at San Mamés, here are our top betting recommendations for this Basque encounter. We’re particularly confident in the Athletic Club victory, given their perfect record in 2025/26 and a sustained head-to-head advantage.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Club to Win | 4/7 @ Bet365 (63.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Won 5 of last 6 at home vs Alavés, 100% league start. |
| Both Teams to Score – No | 4/7 @ Bet365 (63.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Both sides have conceded just 3 in 3; defences on top. |
| Correct Score 1-0 Athletic Club | 9/2 @ Bet365 (18.2%) | ⭐⭐ | Repeat of last meeting; both teams averaging 1 goal/game. |
| Athletic Club to Win to Nil | 6/5 @ Bet365 (45.5%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Alavés blanked in 2 of last 3 visits to San Mamés. |
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Our approach: Start with Athletic Club to win, add BTTS No for Bet Builder potential.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Season Form & Standings
2025/26 season to date: Athletic Club have stormed out of the blocks, sitting second with three straight wins and a perfect 100% record. Alavés, meanwhile, have made a steadier start, holding mid-table with one win, one draw and one defeat. Both have conceded just three, but Athletic have shown sharper attacking edge, netting twice as many as their rivals.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Club | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 9 |
| Deportivo Alavés | 11 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Nicolás Serrano (Athletic Club): Provides width and energy, contributing to Athletic’s inside-the-box threat; expect involvement in key attacking phases.
- Carlos Vicente (Alavés): Fleet-footed, can trouble defences on the counter; key if Alavés look to exploit Athletic’s aggression.
Head-to-Head
Athletic Club have enjoyed a clear edge in this fixture, winning six of the last 14 meetings and five of their last six at home against Alavés. The last clash at San Mamés ended 1-0 to Athletic – a result that could be on the cards again.
Last 5 Meetings
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 11/05/25 | Athletic Club 1-0 Alavés | La Liga |
| 15/12/24 | Alavés 1-1 Athletic Club | La Liga |
| 16/03/24 | Athletic Club 2-0 Alavés | La Liga |
| 22/09/23 | Alavés 0-2 Athletic Club | La Liga |
| 09/01/22 | Alavés 0-0 Athletic Club | La Liga |
Market Snapshot & Implied Probability
- Athletic Club to Win: 4/7 @ Bet365 (63.6%)
- Draw: 3/1 @ Bet365 (25.0%)
- Alavés to Win: 5/1 @ Bet365 (16.7%)
- Both Teams to Score – No: 4/7 @ Bet365 (63.6%)
- Correct Score 1-0 Athletic Club: 9/2 @ Bet365 (18.2%)
Conclusion
Will Athletic Club’s perfect start continue against a disciplined but limited Alavés side? The numbers suggest the hosts have both form and history on their side, particularly at San Mamés. With a sharper attack and defensive solidity, Ernesto Valverde’s men look primed to secure another three points. Backing Athletic Club at 4/7 @ Bet365 (63.6%) is our top selection for this Basque derby.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.