Real Betis and Athletic Club square off against each other at Estadio Benito Villamarin in what is expected to be one of the most exciting games of Wednesday’s program.
Los Beticos are undefeated in the previous four league fixtures, but they need to start winning on a regular basis if they are to represent Spain in European competitions next season.
Both Camarasa and Martin are sidelined with injuries, but they should be the only absentees in the home team.
The Lions, on the other hand, suffered a heavy 4-0 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, meaning that they are low on confidence ahead of the trip to Seville.
Since Betis are eager to retain their spot in top six, we believe that there is a big value in betting on the home team. Nolaskoin and Zarraga are injured for the visiting side.
Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao Head-to-head
Teams Real Betis Athletic Bilbao played so far 40 matches.
Real Betis won 11 direct matches. Athletic Bilbao won 17 matches. 12 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.50 goals per Match.
Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
Real Betis in actual season average scored 1.53 goals per match. In 16 (80.00%) matches played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In 9 (45.00%) matches in season 2021 played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
Athletic Bilbao average scored 1.36 goals per match in season 2021. In 20 (83.33%) matches played away was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In 15 (62.50%) matches played away team was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
Team News:
Pellegrini is likely to make a number of changes ahead of this tie in a bid to keep the team fresh and firing on all cylinders.
It is unlikely that, at 39 years of age, Betis veteran Joaquin will start this game, as he did against Valencia, and Borja Iglesias could deputise for him.
Marc Bartra could also be reinstated at the heart of the defence.
Marcelino is also expected to bring in some fresh faces ahead of this tie and the likes of Asier Villalibre, Mikel Vesga and Yuri Berchiche could all feature.
Absentees include Peru Nolaskoain and Oier Zarraga, who are both injured.
Real Betis possible starting lineup:
Bravo; Emerson, Mandi, Bartra, Moreno; Rodriguez, Canales, Iglesias, Fekir, Tello; Juanmi
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; De Marcos, Alvarez, Martinez, Lekue; Ibai, Vesga, Lopez, Morcillo; Sancet, Villalibre