Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao predictions: BVB to overpower goal-shy visitors
Steve Palmer
Borussia Dortmund blew a 4-2 lead when drawing 4-4 at Juventus
Athletic Bilbao kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Arsenal
Recommended bet: Borussia Dortmund to win
Borussia Dortmund will be kicking themselves after blowing a two-goal lead late on at Juventus in their Champions League opener, but will be confident of making no mistake in their first home assignment of the campaign.
Athletic Bilbao are the visitors to Dortmund on Matchday Two of the league phase, with the Spaniards struggling after finding the net just once in their last five fixtures.
The latest Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Five-goal Serhou Guirassy missed Dortmund's 2-0 Bundesliga win over Mainz, but is expected to have recovered from a thigh problem.
The Guinea striker, who netted 13 goals in the Champions League last season should be okay to feature, but Julian Brandt stands by to deputise.
For Bilbao, key forward Nico Williams has only just returned to training after injury and is a major doubt.
The Spanish side were already without Alex Berenguer and have now lost another midfield option in Mikel Vesga, who limped out of the 1-0 weekend LaLiga loss to Villarreal.
The stats
Dortmund have won each of their last seven home games across all competitions, while Athletic are without a win in five games, during which time they have scored only once.
Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi has scored three goals and contributed two assists in his last four games.
The Basques failed to win any of their final four away Europa League matches last season, losing three of them.
The latest Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
There is a swagger about Dortmund under head coach Niko Kovac which they can use to their advantage against their Basque visitors.
This is going to be a real clash of styles with Die Schwarzgelben on the front foot, carving out chances and hoping to score goals, while being wary of Inaki Williams leading the Lions on the break.
Dortmund's home form is excellent – they have not lost in front of their own fans since March – while in Adeyemi and Guirassy they boast a destructive front two.
The goals have dried up for Bilbao, who were beaten 2-0 at home by Arsenal in their league phase opener.
Ernesto Valverde's side won their opening three games of the season, but have not won since and have only found the net once in their last five matches.
Dortmund managed four in a single half at Juve two weeks ago, although they had to settle for a 4-4 draw.
They look potent and that edge, along with home advantage, should ensure they land the odds.
