Spartak Moscow
For the current Russian champions this is the first official game in this calendar year. The last round of the Russian Premier League was played in mid-December. At that time, Spartak won at home against city rivals CSKA 3: 0. This was the fifth victory in a row for the Moscow and they made the breakthrough to third place in the table. Currently, they have the same number of points as the second-placed Zenit and eight points less than leaders Lokomotiv.
As far as the international appearances are concerned, today’s hosts, as champions of their country, moved directly into the CL group stage. Things looked good after the first three rounds, but then they only scored just one point in three games in the closing stages, so they had to settle for third place and the European league. In the winter, center-back Maksimovic and midfielder Hanni were brought in, while defenders Jiki and Tigiev and midfielder Ananidze were injured.
Athletic Bilbao
The Basques are in top form, unlike Spartak, but have often been drawn lately. Their last win came at the beginning of the year, at home to Alaves. But you lost in 11 games only once. That was two laps away at Girona. Nevertheless, they are on the 13th place in the table of the Primera.
They have a full 10 points advantage over the relegation zone and can therefore play the Europa League quite relaxed. There they finished the group stage as a table first. Coach Ziganda has now announced several changes. The injured defenders Balenziaga and striker Muniain are not present, while center-back Ingio Martinez has already played for Sociedad and therefore has to stop here.
PREDICTION: Spartak Moskau win @ 1.76