Background
The match takes place at San Mamés, with Athletic looking to capitalize on their home advantage, where they've earned 23 of their 35 points this season. Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, hopes their recent Europa League success will translate to improved league form.
Team News
Athletic Bilbao:
•Out:: Paredes, Nico Williams (injuries), Yeray Álvarez (suspension)
•In:: Unai Gómez, Rego (returned from injury/suspension)
Real Betis:
•Out:: Isco Alarcón, Giovani Lo Celso (injuries)
•In:: Diego Llorente (returned from injury/suspension)
Predicted Lineups
Athletic Bilbao: Unai Simón; Lekue, Vivian, Laporte, Yuri; Ruiz de Galarreta, Rego; Iñaki Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta.
Real Betis: Álvaro Valles; Ángel Ortiz, Llorente, Natan, Valentín Gómez; Amrabat, Marc Roca; Antony, Fidalgo/Fornals, Abde; Cucho Hernández.
What to Watch For
•How Betis balances their Europa League ambitions with their La Liga campaign.
•Whether Athletic can overcome the distraction of Valverde's departure announcement.
•The performance of returning players like Llorente for Betis and Gómez for Athletic.