Two teams in good form will face each other in the Spanish top flight on Sunday evening Sporty Bilbao greeting Real Betis to San Mamés.

Both teams have accumulated 18 points from the first 11 games of the 2024-25 season, with Athletic in fifth place La Liga tablewhile Real Betis is in sixth place ahead of the next games.

Game preview

© Imago

Athletic have a record of five wins, three draws and three defeats from their 11 La Liga games this season. With a total of 18 points they are fifth in the table, just three points behind third-placed Villarreal.

Ernesto ValverdeThe Barcelona side will have a three-game unbeaten run coming into this game, including a 0-0 draw against Mallorca last time out in the league, while they have lost just once in all competitions since the end of August.

The Lions take part in the competition Europa League They got off to an encouraging start this season, picking up seven points from their three games to leave them eighth in the table.

Athletic's only home defeat of the season came against Atletico Madrid at the end of August and they have won their last three games in front of their own fans, including a 4-1 win over Espanyol in the league on October 19.

The Basque team defeated Real Betis 4-2 in the corresponding match between the two sides last season, but the Seville team won 3-1 when the two last met in February this year.

© Imago

Real Betis is also playing in Europe this season, with the team competing in the Conference Leaguetook one point from the first two games and is now in 27th place in the table.

The Green and Whites are currently active in three different competitions, including the Copa del Rey, and reached the second round of the tournament on Thursday evening thanks to a 6-1 win over Gevora.

Manuel PellegriniThe Barcelona team defeated Atlético Madrid 1-0 in La Liga last weekend, scoring an own goal Jose Gimenez in the fourth minute of the contest, which was the difference between the two teams.

Real Betis has the same record as Athletic this season: five wins, three draws and three defeats in eleven games; They have only scored 11 goals, while Athletic scored 17, but have a stronger defensive record, conceding just nine goals while the Basque side scored 11 goals.

There hasn't been much choice between the teams this season, but the fact that Athletic have had longer to prepare for this game could give them an advantage in Sunday's exciting clash at San Mames.

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:

Athletic Bilbao form (all competitions):

Real Betis La Liga form:

Real Betis form (all competitions):

Team news

© Imago

Athletic will once again be without the services of their number one goalkeeper Unai Simonbut otherwise the Basque team is in great shape and no injuries were reported before this game.

Head coach Valverde could name the same team that was on the field in the last game against Mallorca Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams And Gorka Guruzeta should be used in the front areas.

However, there may be a change in the middle of the defense Dani Vivian may deserve a callback.

As for Real Betis, Aitor Ruibal, Hector Bellerin, Giovani Lo Celso, Marc Roca, William Carvalho And Isco are not available due to fitness issues.

Due to the nature of the performance and the result, head coach Pellegrini is expected to name the same team that took the field at the first whistle against Atlético in the last league game.

Cedric Bakambu was among the top scorers in the Copa del Rey on Thursday but is likely to be on the bench again in this competition Victor Roque expected to be there Ezequiel Avila in the last third of the field.

Possible Athletic Bilbao starting lineup:
Agirrezabala; Gorosabel, Yeray, Vivian, Yuri; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta

Real Betis possible starting lineup:
Silva; Ruibal, Bartra, Llorente, Perraud; Fornals, Cardoso, Altimira, Ezzalzouli; Avila, Roque

We say: Athletic Bilbao 2:1 Real Betis

It's a difficult game as both teams are in strong form. However, Athletic will be the fresher of the two teams and home advantage will also be crucial on Sunday, so we expect the Lions to put up a close encounter in San Mames.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

Previews via email