Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao Tip: Benzema to take centre stage in the capital

Fresh off the back of Tuesday’s 7/2 and 11/4 winners, I have got another handful of chunky punts lined up for the upcoming European action, starting in Spain.

My first selection comes via southern Spain as Real Madrid clash with Athletic Bilbao in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final. Real Madrid are strong favourites to progress to the final at odds around 33/50, this price may even represent some value given that the expected chance of victory is 60% yet they have won 76% of games at these odds. 

Zinedine Zidane is not expected to make any drastic changes to Los Blancos starting XI, the only uncertainty around his selection hinges on the fitness of right back Dani Carvajal who is a doubt with a knock. If the Spaniard does not start, Vazquez will slot in at RB with Asensio getting the nod in attack. 

Athletic have a couple of injury concerns to contend with. Left back Yuri Berchiche is a major doubt after being forced off vs Barcelona 30 minutes into proceedings, however, Marcelino could risk him given the importance of the fixture. Elsewhere Unai Nunez is expected to partner Inigo Martinez in the heart of defence with the recently fit again Yeray Alvarez unlikely to be risked from the off. 

Zidane’s compatriot Karim Benzema has been his most trusted ally during his second stint at the helm of La Casa Blanca. 

This season the Frenchman has been a real talisman and currently has the most goals for Real domestically with eight. He also tops the charts in the shots department averaging 3.2 per game, in fact only Messi (5.9) has a greater average in Spain. 

Although the goals have dried up a bit of late, I expect Benzema to be on target at La Rosaleda and it is Betfair and Paddy Power's price of 6/5 (boosted from EVS) for him to register two shots on target that has caught my eye.  

When these sides met in La Liga, Benzema accumulated four shots, scoring twice, and in all competitions, 38% of his shots have hit the target, averaging 1.3 per game.

Good luck to those on board and please gamble responsibly.