Match Overview

The La Liga Matchday 3 fixture between Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao is scheduled for August 31 at the Estadio Benito Villamarín in Seville. This comprehensive preview covers the prediction, betting insights, and statistical analysis for the Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao clash.

Real Betis’ Current Form

The Sevillians currently boast an unbeaten run in the league. The team secured a narrow 1-0 victory at home against Alaves and played out 1-1 draws on the road against both Elche and Celta Vigo. Manuel Pellegrini’s side was positioned 6th before the start of this round, but they have played one more game due to a rescheduled match against the Galicians earlier in the week. It is also worth noting that Real Betis has drawn 5 of their last 7 La Liga matches (with 1 win and 1 draw).

Key Statistics for Real Betis

• Both teams have scored in 13 of Real Betis’ last 14 La Liga encounters.
• The Sevillians have suffered only 1 defeat in their last 10 league matches (4 wins and 5 draws).
• The team is undefeated at home in 4 consecutive La Liga fixtures (2 wins and 2 draws).

Real Betis’ Probable Lineup (5-4-1)*

Pau López – Nathan, Aitor Ruibal, Ricardo Rodríguez, Marc Bartra, Héctor Bellerín – Rodrigo Riquelme, Pablo Fornals, Sergi Altimira, Giovani Lo Celso – Cucho Hernández.

Athletic Bilbao’s Performance

The Basques played their first two matches at home and collected a perfect 6 points. As a result, the Bilbao club is among the five teams who have yet to drop any points after the first two rounds. Ernesto Valverde’s men first defeated Sevilla (3-2) and then overcame Rayo Vallecano (1-0). It should also be noted that the club has won 5 of their last 6 league games (their only loss was to Barcelona).

Key Statistics for Athletic Bilbao

• At least one team failed to score in 8 of Athletic Bilbao’s last 9 La Liga matches.
• No more than two goals were scored in 7 of the Basques’ previous 9 league encounters.
• The club has avoided defeat in 13 of their last 15 away matches in La Liga (6 wins and 7 draws).

Athletic Bilbao’s Probable Lineup (4-3-3)*

Unai Simón – Yuri Berchiche, Daniel Vivian, Jesús Areso, Aitor Paredes – Maroan Sannadi, Mikel Jauregizar, Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Nico Williams, Álex Berenguer, Iñaki Williams.

Match Prediction: Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao

This promises to be a challenging match to predict, as both teams are in excellent form and will be determined not to concede. It is highly probable that neither side will emerge victorious from this encounter. The Sevillians have lost only to Real Madrid in their last 10 league matches, drawing an impressive 5 times. Athletic Bilbao, in their previous 14 La Liga games, have only suffered defeats against Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Head-to-Head History and Forecast

It’s also essential to consider their head-to-head record from last season. The teams drew 1-1 in Bilbao, and the fixture in Seville also resulted in a compromise with a 2-2 scoreline. Furthermore, in their last 7 direct encounters at the Estadio Benito Villamarín in La Liga, a draw has occurred 4 times. Therefore, I believe there’s a strong likelihood that these clubs will share the points in this game.

My prediction – “Draw”.

Author: Олександр Олексенко

* The starting lineup listed for each team reflects their last match in this tournament.