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Fans of Athletic Bilbao smile as they smoke cigars prior the La Liga match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid at the San Mames stadium on January 16, 2010 in Bilbao, Spain.

Athletic lost the last two games that were scheduled on the road (the last of the first round and the first of the second) and are now eager to bounce back hosting rock bottom Xerez who have recently changed their manager. Xerez managed to win the last one of the two home games against Mallorca and Osasuna playing well enough in both games but this had to do mostly with the boosted morale from the change in the bench. They also took fully advantage of Mallorca’s fatigue from the continuous cup games and their absences in the centre of the field winning their first since October 18th and second game in the campaign.

But Xerez showed nothing spectacular in these games and of course anything at all until now in the campaign whiles exactly the opposite counts for Athletic. The Basques were outplayed by Espanyol but they revealed their pure talent while it is no overacting to say that they deserved to win by 0-3 in the first part against Deportivo La Coruna. Great news for Joaquin Caparros who has ket striker Llorente available while Yeste remains extremely doubtful. San José and Javi Martínez returns in the starting XI. In Xerez, Néstor Raúl Gorosito who faces no important loses and has some new signings in the squad, stated during the midweek that a possible draw at the San Mames will be a good result for them… Completely agree but I doubt that Xerez is capable of denying Athletic the three points especially in their home ground.

Bet: Home win

Mantis