Thursday's La Liga predictions including Athletic Bilbao vs. Sevilla

Valencia vs. Valladolid (Thursday, 6.30pm)

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Valencia and Real Valladolid will look to strengthen their respective survival bids when they lock horns in a relegation six-pointer at the Mestalla on Thursday evening.

Despite claiming a vital victory over Elche on Sunday, Valencia remain in the La Liga drop zone on goal difference, while 14th-placed Valladolid sit five points clear of the bottom three.

We say: Valencia 0-0 Real Valladolid

Given that Real Valladolid have the third-worst offensive record in La Liga – and Valencia have the best defensive record in the bottom half – we expect the relegation rivals to play out a cagey stalemate at the Mestalla.

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Villarreal vs. Espanyol (Thursday, 6.30pm)

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Seeking to avoid a third successive La Liga defeat, Villarreal play hosts to Espanyol at the Estadi de la Ceramica on Thursday evening.

While the hosts remain in contention to qualify for Europe, the visitors are at risk of relegation to the second tier just two years after securing promotion to the top flight.

We say: Villarreal 2-0 Espanyol

Villarreal's defeats to bottom-half teams in their last two matches will provide some optimism for an Espanyol side who are struggling for form themselves and can ill-afford to drop too many more points in their battle to avoid relegation.

Nevertheless, the hosts will be regarded as favourites to come out on top on Thursday and they should have enough quality in their side to record a routine win at the Estadi de la Ceramica.

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Athletic Bilbao vs. Sevilla (Thursday, 9.00pm)

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Fresh from sealing a dramatic late victory over Villarreal, Sevilla will look to extend their unbeaten streak to seven matches when they face Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on Thursday night.

Thanks to a six-game unbeaten run of their own, the hosts lead Sevilla by eight points in the La Liga table, while Athletic find themselves just one point shy of the European places.

We say: Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Sevilla

Both sides enter Thursday's showdown in strong form, so we expect Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla to dish up a close-fought battle as they look to continue their respective hot streaks.

> Click here to read our full preview for this match