Athletic vs Real Betis Prediction: La Liga match on 04.05.2023

On Thursday, it is sixth versus seventh in La Liga when Athletic Bilbao go one-on-one at the San Mames Barria Stadium against Real Betis at 20:00 GMT.

For both sides, the Champions League places are seemingly out of their reach with seven and eight matches remaining in the season, respectively.

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However, this match will be a six-point shootout for a place in either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League next season, giving it significant meaning.

Key Highlights

Athletic Club’s Ability to Bounce Back to be Tested in La Liga

After a four-match undefeated run in La Liga was ended in the 0-1 home defeat to Sevilla last Friday, Athletic Club will be looking to put together another run to end the season on a high and finish as high up the table as possible, with European participation at stake.

However, coming up against a side just a position and three points above them on the table, albeit having played an extra match, will pose a new test for Ernesto Valverde’s men.

This six-pointer will determine the side that might end up claiming the Europa or Europa Conference league participation from La Liga next season.

Valverde will have his charges ready to do battle against a good side, but they will back themselves to win the three points since they are playing at home and are in good general form.

Real Betis’ Winless Run in La Liga

Manuel Pellegrini and his charges have run off the boil in recent matches. They are winless in their last three – only managing two defeats and a draw,

In their last five La Liga outings, Betis have won once, lost three times, and had a solitary draw. They have dropped 11 points in this run, which has seen them fall from the top four down to sixth on the table.

Pellegrini will be looking to get his side back on winning form when they travel to face Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. The focus will be to get the small details right and maintain confidence in an away performance.

Pellegrini will hope that this will be the beginning of a good run-in for Betis as they look to seal a Europa League qualifying spot on the La Liga log.

Injury Report

Athletic

Ernesto Valverde will have up to four players missing from his matchday squad ahead of the home clash against Real Betis.

Left winger Jon Morcillo has been sidelined with a fractured collarbone since February 27, 2023. Right-back Inigo Lekue is also out of contention with a Hamstring injury.

Valverde will also be without the services of attacking midfielder Iker Muniain; the 30-year-old is sidelined with a calf injury.

Center-back Inigo Martinez is also sidelined with a calf strain; the 31-year-old has been out of contention since April 25, 2023.

Real Betis

Manuel Pellegrini will be without long-term absentee Nabil Fekir for the trip to face Athletic Club on Thursday. The 29-year-old attacking midfielder is sidelined with a ruptured cruciate ligament and has been on the sidelines for 17 matches since February 27, 2023.

Fekir will not be in the matchday squad to face Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.

Possible Lineups

Athletic

U. Simon; O. de Marcos, D. Vivian, Y. Alvarez, Y. Berchiche; A. Herrera, D. Garcia; I. Williams, O. Sancet, N. Williams; G. Guruzeta

Real Betis

R. Silva; J. Miranda, L. Felipe, G. Pezzella, M. Montoya; W. Carvalho, G. Rodriguez; A. Perez, S. Canales, L. H; Willian Jose

Prediction

Athletic Bilbao will start fast in this match; they will look to dominate possession and control the match’s tempo.

Bilbao will also look to play on the front foot; they will press to win the ball back and build from the back.

Athletic Club will win the match and bolster their chances of a European finish at the end of the season.

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