Athletic Club was unable to defeat Mallorca at San Moix, leaving them currently fifth in La Liga. However, the teams in positions six, seven, and eight in the standings (Betis, Mallorca, and Osasuna) also have 18 points, meaning that goal difference is the only thing separating these teams.
This thin margin means that the match against Betis is make-or-break for Athletic Club, especially with a Europa League fixture against Ludogorets Razgrad on the calendar just four days later. Ernesto Valverde’s side remain unbeaten in Europe but can’t afford to drop further points in La Liga.
One statistic is revealing. Across the last 369 minutes where Athletic Club had the numerical superiority following an opponent’s red card, the team has only scored one goal.
Athletic is known for their intense style with a unique brand of pressing, but they seem unable to take advantage of the most obvious advantage in football.
Against Mallorca, they were once again unable to score despite being one man up, as they struggled to maintain their usual intensity. Aimlessly playing through counter-attacks, the team lacked the usual fire and creativity.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón will be absent after a wrist fracture, he is expected to return early December.
Betis are currently 6th after they shocked Spain by defeating a soulless Atlético de Madrid. Most tipsters believed los Rojiblancos would come out victorious, but Atlético’s lack of intensity ultimately tipped the scales.
Betis are only behind Athletic Club due to a lower goal difference (11:9 compared to Athletic’s 17:11). This means that they can overtake them if they manage to secure a victory.
Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini made his intentions clear when selecting his squad for this week’s Copa Del Rey match against Gévora. First goalkeeper Rui Silva will be rested, indicating that the priority for this season is La Liga.
Betis represent the opposite of Athletic Club in many ways, as they lack a stable defence. This inconsistency has only worsened this season after a string of injuries.
Betis’ system heavily relies on an advanced playmaker to drive the attack, but with both Isco and Lo Celso sidelined due to injury, this leaves a void in Betis’s creativity. Their absence gives their forward play an almost toothless feel.
Bet hereBefore kickoff, there will be a minute of silence in remembrance of the recent floods in Valencia. This tragedy has also caused regional match postponements.
The atmosphere at San Mames is famous nationwide for its electrifying ambiance. Visitors often panic when Athletic Club charges down the wings while pressing high and applying immense pressure.
The roar of the San Mamés faithful has been known to rattle opponents, often causing them to make hasty, costly errors. Only Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona have managed to escape with all three points from this fortress this season. Football predictions on 22Bet indicate that Athletic Club is the favourite for this clash.
Without Nico Williams, breaking down opponents was a difficult task for Athletic Club. Williams is the club’s most important dribbler, and he came back in style. He scored against Slavia Praha, and despite not scoring against Mallorca, he was one of the few players who seemed to have a clear head on Athletic Club’s side.
Betis, on the other hand, lacks a powerful defender who could match Williams in one-on-one duels. At the same time, if they overfocus on him, Berenguer or Nico’s brother, Iñaki, could capitalize on any defensive gaps and find the net.
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