Athletic Bilbao vs Sporting Gijon preview - Caparros warns Bilbao against complacency

Posted Saturday, February 05, 2011 by PA

Athletic Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros has warned his side against relaxation ahead of Saturday's Primera Division clash at home to a revitalised Sporting Gijon.

Athletic have won their last three league matches and are now flying high in sixth place, just six points behind the Champions League spots after 21 rounds of matches.

But Caparros is concerned complacency could be a factor on Saturday.

"I am worried that after a run of good results, the team will relax subconsciously," the Athletic coach said.

Sporting have been on form of late, too, also winning their last three games to move four points clear of the relegation zone.

The Asturians also triumphed in the league at San Mames last season.

"They know us well," Caparros said.

"They come here in a dynamic of positive results, having been in an uncomfortable situation, so their level of motivation will be very high."

Both sides produced excellent performances last weekend to achieve perhaps their best results of the entire campaign.

Athletic beat Atletico Madrid 2-0 at the Vicente Calderon, while Sporting also won away - for the first time this season - in style, thrashing Mallorca 4-0.

"We had to win away from home at some stage and now we've done it," Sporting coach Manuel Preciado said.

"Now we have to keep this good run going."

Following the club's recent successes, Preciado is set to name an unchanged side for the fourth week running, although full-back Jose Angel Valdes, who turned town a move to Fiorentina earlier this week, could feature at some stage.

Ustaritz Aldekoaotalora is fit again for Athletic, but Fernando Amorebieta remains sidelined, along with Ibai Gomez and Jon Aurtenetxe. Borja Ekiza is doubtful.