Preview: Huesca vs. Athletic Bilbao - prediction, team news, lineups

With three games of the season left to play, Huesca will aim to climb out of the bottom three of the La Liga table on Wednesday, as they host Athletic Bilbao.

A run of four defeats from their last five games has seen Pacheta's side drop back into the relegation zone, while the visitors will look to stretch their unbeaten run to 10 games in the top flight.

Match preview

© Reuters

Huesca recently broke a three-game losing run with an impressive 1-0 home victory over fifth-placed Real Sociedad to boost their survival hopes.

The game looked set to end goalless until Real Sociedad centre-back Aritz Elustondo turned the ball into his own net in the 87th minute, handing Pacheta's side a crucial three points.

However, Los Oscenses failed to build on that last time out, as they took on Cadiz away from home.

In an action-packed period before half time, Marcos Mauro opened the scoring for the hosts in the 43rd minute, but Rafa Mir equalised for Huesca before the hosts' lead was immediately restored in the second minute of added time before the break as Gaston Silva scored an own goal.

As a result, Pacheta's side find themselves in the drop zone with three games of the season left to play, having picked up just 30 points from 35 league matches this campaign.

They are not condemned to relegation yet though, as they sit just one point adrift of safety with nine points left to play for, meaning Los Oscenses still have a strong chance of avoiding an immediate drop back to the second tier if they can pick up a positive result on Wednesday.

They take on an Athletic Bilbao side who come into this match in a strong run of form, having not lost any of their last nine La Liga outings.

© Reuters

Marcelino's men were somewhat disappointed to be held to a draw last time out though, as they hosted Osasuna.

Jon Morcillo opened the scoring for Athletic in the first minute of the game, but Darko Brasanac quickly equalised for the visitors before Oihan Sancet restored the hosts' lead on the hour mark.

They looked set to see out a narrow victory, but an Ante Budimir equaliser in the 89th minute forced Marcelino's men to settle for a point, stopping them recording consecutive victories after an impressive 1-0 victory over fourth-placed Sevilla.

Athletic will now look to continue their strong run of form for the final three games of the campaign, as they aim to build momentum going into next season.

Team News

© Reuters

Huesca are expected to remain without centre-back Pablo Insua and left-back Luisinho, as the pair remain out of action through injuries.

However, centre-back Jorge Pulido will return to the back line following his suspension last time out, while midfielder Jaime Seoane will also return to action after a suspension.

Alvaro Fernandez is expected to maintain his spot between the sticks, having competed for the position with Andres Fernandez.

The line will be led by Rafa Mir, who has kept his side in contention for survival with 13 league goals this season.

Athletic Bilbao will remain without captain Iker Muniain, who has missed the last five games through injury.

He is joined on the sidelines by right-back Ander Capa and left-back Yuri Berchiche.

Key forward Inaki Williams should return to the starting side after he was reduced to a substitute appearance last time out.

Huesca possible starting lineup:
Fernandez; Siovas, Pulido, Vavro; Maffeo, Ferreiro, Rico, Seoane, Galan; Mir, Ramirez

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; De Marcos, Martinez, Nunez, Balenziaga; Berenguer, Vesga, Lopez, Morcillo; Williams, Garcia

We say: Huesca 1-1 Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao definitely come into the game in far better form than their opponents, but we see Huesca's need for a result giving them the encouragement to take a share of the spoils on Wednesday.

The visitors should dominate the encounter, but Huesca have the attacking quality in Rafa Mir to grab a crucial goal.