Live: Athletic v Alavés, team news and build-up from San Mamés | OneFootball

Athletic host Deportivo Alavés in their first derby of the season at San Mamés at 16:15, looking to bounce back after the midweek postponement.

According to El Correo, Edin Terzic is without Gorka Guruzeta after the striker felt something on Friday morning, so Iñaki Williams leads the line. Nico Williams returns, Johaneko starts at right-back and Maroan is not in the XI. Peio Canales is available, his involvement from the off remains uncertain.

Alavés, coached by Quique Sánchez Flores, have 10 points and sit in European places despite back-to-back defeats, at Racing in Santander then at home to Valencia. Víctor García Verdura referees, with Javier Iglesias Villanueva on VAR.

Unai Simón was first out for the hosts' warm-up to loud applause, and both teams are now going through their routines on the pitch. The derby feel around Bilbao is unmistakable.

Pre-match, Terzic said control comes from protecting the ball with good passing and positioning, using central overloads, and switching wide if the middle is closed. He also prefers to frame changes as introductions, keeping a positive outlook, and noted that an early goal can open a game and bring control.

Dani Vivián remains sidelined but aims to rejoin full training over the next two weeks, joking he is already lean and pleased with his recovery from a stubborn issue. He said the group are working well, even if results have not fully matched expectations, and he is eager to help the team grow.

Source: El Correo

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