Two of Spain’s European participants clash in La Liga on Sunday. Real Betis are dealing with some notable selection issues ahead of their meeting with Athletic Club.
They are also still trying to get a deal done for Antony, who was so impressive on loan in Seville last season. A big few days await in the transfer market, and they could do with adding some firepower based on the evidence of their first three matches.
Betis scored only one goal in each of them, although they remain unbeaten after draws against Elche and Celta Vigo, either side of a 1-0 home win over Alaves at La Cartuja.
Athletic represent a step up in class on those two teams. Los Leones qualified for the Champions League last term, and they’ve bounced back from a shaky pre-season to win their opening two matches in La Liga.
They weren’t entirely convincing in their opener, but Nico Williams carried them to a 3-2 victory over Sevilla. They backed that up with a 1-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano last time out.
How the bookies view it: An even game expected
There’s not much to choose between the sides in the betting markets for this match. Boylesports make Athletic Club the 7/5 favourites. They look good at that price, given they are in much better shape on the selection front than their opponents.
Alternatively, you can back Real Betis to win the game at 15/8. Meanwhile, the draw is on offer at 2/1.
Recent head-to-head: History favours Betis
Excluding penalty shootouts, Betis are unbeaten in eight home games against this opposition. However, those were all played at the Benito Villamarin, and this will only be their second fixture at their new temporary home. Both league meetings last term were drawn.
Players to watch: Nico capable of making the difference
The younger of the two Williams brothers was close to joining Barcelona in the summer, but he’s gone a long way to building bridges with the Athletic fanbase since then. He’s already scored and assisted in La Liga 2025/26, and is averaging 3.5 shots per game.
Predicted Lineups
Betis are missing Diego Llorente, Abde Ez, Nelson Deossa, Aitor Ruibal, Marc Roca and Isco to injuries. Meanwhile, Pau Lopez is rated doubtful.
The visitors are missing Inigo Lekue to an injury, while midfielder Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta is also a fitness doubt.
Real Betis: Valles, Firpo, Bartra, Natan, Bellerin, Altimira, Fornals, Riquelme, Lo Celso, P. Garcia, C. Hernandez.
Athletic Club: Simon, Yuri, Paredes, Vivian, Areso, Jauregizar, Prados, N. Williams, Sancet, I. Williams, Sannadi.
Anything else catch the eye?
Athletic’s main weakness is that they don’t really have a convincing striker to finish the chances that are created from out wide. By contrast, Betis will feel good about having Cucho Hernandez up top, but the supply line has been vastly reduced by Isco’s injury. The absence of the likes of Jesus Rodriguez and Antony, who are no longer at the club, has also had a negative impact.
All of their opening three games have served up two or fewer goals. Backing under 2.5 goals could therefore be worth considering at 4/6 here with Boylesports, while BTTS – No is priced at 10/11 with the same bookmaker.
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