Athletic Bilbao vs Real Betis: Preview and Predictions

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Betis
Spanish La Liga
Date: Saturday, 5th May 2018
Kick-off at 15:15 UK/ 16:15 CET
Venue: Estadio San Mames (Bilbao).

Athletic Bilbao are on a terrible run and face a tough fixture at the weekend against an inform Real Betis who may book their tickets to Europa League with a win on Saturday.

Jose Angel Ziganda’s men suffered a heavy 3-1 loss in the local derby against Real Sociedad last week and sit on a four match winless run. Their defense has been particularly vulnerable during the period and conceded 10 goals.

Real Betis defeated the already relegated Malaga 2-1 and extended their unbeaten run to 8 games with 7 wins and 1 draw. They are just about to make the fifth place in the table theirs depending on results elsewhere if they pick full-three points at the San Mames.

Another factor that need some attention is that Bilbao are missing 6 players through injuries and suspensions for Saturday’s La Liga fixture. And Betis are having a excellent run on the road with 7 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses from their last 10 outings.

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Betis: Head-to-head

• Bilbao won 6 of the last 7 meetings with Betis, losing once.
• At home, Bilbao won 4 on the bounce against Betis.
• Bilbao have scored at least twice in the last 6 home matches against Betis.
• Five of their last six at the San Mames saw both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals.

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Betis: Predictions

Betis are on a roll here and probably their best run in the league over a decade. Seven wins in the last 8 alongside a draw keeping 6 clean sheets is something that bring great momentum to any side.

On the other hand, Bilbao are marred with injuries and their defense is on the receiving end in the recent outings. I don’t see anything other than a Betis win here.