Betis vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 23/02/2024, 10:15  by Sridhar | Modified on 25/02/2024 at 02:15 in LaLiga Prediction

An interesting battle for European spots will be played out at the Benito Villamarin Stadium this weekend as Real Betis welcome Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. Ahead of these weekend fixtures, the hosts are 7th with 39 points, while the visitors are 5th with 49 points. Betis are just a point behind sixth-placed Real Sociedad and would be keen to stay in that hunt. They haven’t done themselves any favors lately, though. Three wins from their last 14 competitive matches is hardly anything to gloat about, as they chase a top-six place. The situation isn’t any different at home, with only one win from their last six league matches here. Yet, only Barcelona have been able to defeat Betis at this venue in the league, underscoring their strengths.

Athletic start this weekend just two points outside the top four and still have a great chance to qualify for the Champions League. That would require them to maintain the momentum they have sustained since November. They were beaten only once in 20 matches, hence, and have picked up 15 victories to give themselves a good shot here. While this makes good reading, Athletic will have to improve their form to build on their strengths. The visitors have failed to win seven of their last nine away league games, showcasing their troubles lifting their performances on the road. That included failing to score in each of their last three away matches, another puzzle they would be keen to solve before it blows out of proportion. Either way, they still have one of the best defensive records, and that is perhaps why they were able to draw four of their last six away La Liga games, managing three clean sheets along the way.