Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao Preview: Team News & Prediction
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This match is being played in the neutral venue of La Cartuja, as work continues to be done on Real Betis’ usual home ground of the Benito Villamarin in Seville.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Real Betis preview: Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis
Real Betis reached the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League and finished just outside of the top five and the UEFA Champions League qualifying spots in La Liga last season, but they have lost a few key men from their excellent second-half of the season.
The Andalusians started the 2025/26 La Liga season with a 1-1 draw away to newly-promoted Elche on the opening day before a 1-0 victory over Deportivo Alaves at home and then a 1-1 draw in midweek against Celta Vigo at Balaidos.
Athletic Bilbao preview: Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic
Former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has produced one of the most entertaining and effective teams in La Liga in recent years, with the Basque giants qualifying for the UEFA Champions League once again last season.
Nico Williams has opted to remain at San Mames after a lot of links to Barcelona, and the Basque giants have started the season reasonably well; with back-to-back victories at home, defeating Sevilla 3-2 and then Rayo Vallecano by a goal to nil.
Real Betis team news: A few issues
Aitor Ruibal has sustained a leg injury and he is now a doubt for this weekend, with key man Isco still sidelined alongside Morocco international winger Abde Ez.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alvaro Valles; Hector Bellerin, Marc Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez; Sergi Altimira, Pablo Fornals; Aitor Ruibal, Lo Celso, Rodrigo Riquelme; Cucho
Unavailable: Isco (Injured), Abde Ez (Injured)
Questionable: Pau Lopez (Injured), Diego Llorente (Injured), Marc Roca (Injured), Nelson Deossa (Injured), Aitor Ruibal (Injured)
Athletic Bilbao team news: Yeray suspended
Athletic centre-back Yerey Alvarez is missing through suspension for this third game of the season, whilst fellow defenders Unai Egiluz and Inigo Lekue are out injured.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Jesus Areso, Dani Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche; Mikel Jauregizar, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta; Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams; Maroan Sannadi
Unavailable: Yeray (Suspended), Unai Egiluz (Injured), Inigo Lekue (Injured)
Questionable:
Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao prediction
Real Betis have an excellent squad, and they need it because Manuel Pellegrini has had to deal with the injury absence of Isco, as well as the departures of Jesus Rodriguez and Antony over the summer. They face an Athletic side that are perhaps best suited to being devastating on the counter-attack, and Betis’ approach with home advantage may fall into their hands, so both teams scoring seems a good bet, but the Basque giants have to be viewed as favourites.
Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao tip: Athletic Bilbao to win & both teams to score
