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La Liga Preview: Racing Santander - Athletic Bilbao

Los Leones won for the first time since September last weekend and will want to build on the victory, while the hosts will be desperate to pick up their first home win of the season…

Nov 7, 2009 11:00:34 AM

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Racing Santander (MARCA)

Teams

Kick Off: Sunday, November 8, 17.00 CET
El Sardinero, Santander

Santander Not Racing Ahead

Without Nikola Zigic to help them out of a tight spot, Racing Santander are already in trouble at this early stage of the season. The Cantabrian side have only won once all season – on September 19 against Malaga, arguably the weakest side in the Primera Division, after the departure of Antonio Tapia.

While they showed resilience against Atletico Madrid to secure a point at the Vicente Calderon with ten men, it is only Atletico’s equally woeful start that is preventing Racing from occupying a place in the relegation zone. Los Verdiblancos also lost to Salamanca in the Copa del Rey, although an early exit might be in the best interests of Juan Carlos Mandia’s side in the long run.

If Racing are to avoid a prolonged relegation battle, their home form will be crucial. El Sardinero has been far from a fortress so far this season, however, as los Racinguistas were humbled by Getafe on the opening day and were lucky to score an injury-time equaliser against Osasuna. There has been little between Racing and Athletic Bilbao in recent years, but a repeat of their 2-0 victory in the 2007/08 Copa del Rey would be a welcome reprieve for Mandia before the international break.

Trouble On The Road

Joseba Etxeberria’s late penalty secured a priceless draw against Nacional in the Europa League on Thursday, putting Athletic Bilbao within a point of qualification to the knockout stage. While los Leones are reaping the rewards of last year’s Copa del Rey run, it has been costing them in the league.

Joaquin Caparros’ side ended a run of five games without a win when they beat Atletico Madrid at San Mames last Saturday, although los Colchoneros hit the woodwork three times as they peppered the hosts’ goal. With the likes of Barcelona and Valencia travelling to San Mames in the next month, Athletic must start improving on the road in order to keep their points tally ticking over.

The Basques are clearly reliant on the prowess of Fernando Llorente, who has been in indifferent form in the league so far. Summer signings Inigo Diaz de Cerio and Oscar de Marcos have had troubled starts with Athletic due to injuries and the Under-20 World Cup respectively. The likes of Javi Martinez, who scored the only goal against Atletico, and Markel Susaeta must also start to deliver on their undoubted promise in the coming games.

FORM GUIDE

Racing Santander

November 1 v Mallorca (A) – LOST 1-0 (La Liga)

October 29 v Salamanca (A) – LOST 1-0 (Copa del Rey)

October 25 v Osasuna (H) – DREW 1-1 (La Liga)

October 18 v Real Zaragoza (A) – DREW 2-2 (La Liga)

October 4 v Valencia (H) – LOST 1-0 (La Liga)

Athletic Bilbao

November 5 v Nacional (A) – DREW 1-1 (Europa League)

October 31 v Atletico Madrid (H) – WON 1-0 (La Liga)

October 28 v Rayo Vallecano (A) – LOST 2-0 (Copa del Rey)

October 25 v Getafe (A) – LOST 2-0 (La Liga)

October 22 v Nacional (H) – WON 2-1 (Europa League)

TEAM NEWS

Racing Santander

Reserve defender Osmar Barba has been training with the first team and could feature, although Racing have a relatively clean bill of health and will be able to put out their strongest side.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Tono; Pinillos, Henrique, Morris, Crespo; Arana, Diop, Lacen, Serrano; Geijo, Munitis.

Athletic Bilbao

Critically, Athletic are without Llorente for Sunday’s match, as he suffered a thigh injury in the Europa League. Ustaritz Aldekoaotalora, Koikili Lertxundi and Xabier Castillo have minor complaints after facing Nacional, while Gaizka Toquero is out for up to a month and Fran Yeste is still recovering from his knee problem.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Iraizoz; Iraola, Etxeita, Amorebieta, Koikili; Susaeta, Javi Martinez, Orbaiz, De Marcos; Etxeberria, De Cerio.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Oscar Serrano (Racing Santander)

The left-winger scored a stunning goal against Barcelona, taking advantage of some poor defending from the champions. Athletic’s defence will tire after their midweek exertions, and Serrano will look to profit with his darting runs and explosive shots.

Inigo Diaz De Cerio (Athletic Bilbao)

De Cerio has had few opportunities to show his qualities since his summer move from Real Sociedad, but injuries will give him a chance in El Sardinero. The striker has proven goalscoring ability in the Segunda Division, and must now prove his worth in the top flight.

PREDICTION

Racing Santander have been in awful form recently and the Basques have every chance of walking away with all three points.

Racing Santander 1-2 Athletic Bilbao

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

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