Preview: Athletic Bilbao vs. Hapoel Kiryat Shmona FC

Last season's beaten finalists Athletic Bilbao begin their Europa League Group I campaign against minnows Hapoel Kiryat Shmona on Thursday.

Bilbao have already won both of their home games in Europe this season as they enter their fourth Europa League campaign in a row. However, they have picked up just four points from four games in La Liga this season.

Meanwhile, Kiryat Shmona are making their debut in the competition this year, but the Israeli champions are without a win in their last four European away games.

Bilbao are once more expected to name wantaway striker Fernando Llorente on the bench, meaning that Iker Muniain will come back into the side. Ander Herrera has also reportedly shaken off an ankle knock in order to start. Meanwhile, the away side will look to two-goal Laszlo Lencse to carry their attacking threat.

Recent form:

Athletic Bilbao: WLDWD Hapoel Kiryat Shmona: WDWLL

Possible lineups:

Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz; San Jose, Amorebieta, Iraola, Ekiza; Iturraspe, Herrera, Susaeta, Ruiz; Aduriz, Muniain

Hapoel Kiryat Shmona: Amos; Tzedek, Gabai, Hasarma, Matovic; Gazal, Einbinder, Zaken, Porokara; Abed, Abuhatzira

Sports Mole says: 4-0