Real Betis to continue incredible La Liga top-three form with win at Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Betis - 19/12/2021
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Will the clock strike midnight at San Mames on Sunday for Real Betis? Manuel Pellegrini’s team is enjoying a fairytale-like start to the La Liga season.
Real Betis were unfancied at the start of the season to finish in the top four. Yet, after 17 matches, Los Verdiblancos are third in La Liga and could move into second place with a win over Athletic Bilbao and a Sevilla loss or draw against Atletico Madrid.
Athletic Bilbao are one of the obstacles standing in Real Betis’s way of second place. The Lions are in 11th place going into matchday 18 and are on a wretched run of form. They have failed to win six straight matches in La Liga with three games ending in losses.
Marcelino’s Athletic Bilbao are on a strong run of form against Real Betis. They are unbeaten in four straight games in all competitions versus the Seville-based club.
Athletic Bilbao have won the last eight matches in all competitions against Real Betis played at San Mames. Real Betis have not won at the Basque club’s stadium since 2012-13. Last season, Athletic Bilbao bagged a 4-0 win against Real Betis.
So, will this season see an end to Betis’s eight-game losing streak at San Mames? Pellegrini’s team is in fine form having taken 12 points from the last 18 points available. They outscored their last six opponents 11-6. Real Betis are on a four-match winning streak in La Liga.
Athletic Bilbao took a mere three points from the last 18 points available to them in the league. They scored a mere two goals across their last six games, but did only concede five times.
Marcelino will be without the services of Dani Garcia. He is suspended for the match. The manager could have the quartet of Asier Villalibre, Daniel Vivian, Peru Nolaskoain, and Yuri Berchiche back from their various injury issues. All are in line to play as it stands.
Pellegrini has just one player in the Real Betis treatment room. Victor Camarasa is a doubt due to a muscle issue. Real Betis are led in goals by Juami with 10 in 15 matches. He will be out to get a goal versus Athletic Bilbao.
Real Betis have not won at Athletic Bilbao in their last eight attempts. Los Verdiblancos should end their away losing streak against an out of form Athletic Bilbao.
The win could send Real Betis into second place and thoughts of Champions League qualification will be dancing in their heads.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
Es1
243243
2
0 - 2
2.42
12°
3.40
2.28
3.36
3.40
1
-1
-1
3 - 2(1 - 1)
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