Mon Feb 03 01:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Athletic Bilbao Aim to Extend Unbeaten Run Against Injury-Hit Real Betis

**Seville, Spain** – Athletic Bilbao will look to extend their impressive 12-game unbeaten streak in La Liga when they face Real Betis on Sunday. The Lions, currently fourth in the table with 40 points from 21 matches, are in contention for a Champions League spot and are even considered outside contenders for the La Liga title itself. Their opponent, Real Betis, sits in 10th place with 28 points, battling for a European spot themselves.

Betis will be welcoming back Romain Perraud from suspension but faces a significant injury crisis. Ezequiel Avila, Hector Bellerin, and William Carvalho are all ruled out, while Iker Losada, Ricardo Rodriguez, Marc Bartra, Aitor Ruibal, Giovani Lo Celso, and Youssouf Sabaly are all doubtful. This could leave manager Manuel Pellegrini with limited options for changes to the side that narrowly defeated Mallorca last time out.

Athletic also has injury concerns. Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta is doubtful, and Alex Berenguer’s availability is uncertain following a Europa League injury. However, Unai Simon will return in goal, with Adama Boiro, Andoni Gorosabel, and Mikel Vesga expected to start. If Berenguer is unavailable, Oihan Sancet is likely to deputize.

Despite their recent Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen, Athletic will be facing a Betis side that has been strong at home, accumulating 16 points from 10 matches. Conversely, Athletic has been formidable on the road, collecting 18 points from their 10 away games. The teams drew 1-1 earlier in the season, but Betis won the reverse fixture 3-1.

While Betis’ injury problems might give Athletic an edge, the match is considered a close contest, with Athletic potentially benefiting from a fresher squad. The prediction leans towards a victory for the visitors, although the numerous injury concerns on both sides could yet produce an unpredictable result.

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