Real Betis vs Athletic Club Bilbao

15/3- In an almost even contest 15^th placed Real Betis get prepared to take on 13^th placed Athletic Club Bilbao in a home tie. With both these sides separated by a single point and two places they also look to be in almost identical form.  Real Betis might just hold the advantage playing at home as they have managed to win the last two matches they played at home while one was a 4-0 drubbing of Murcia the other was a surprise 2-1 win over the league leaders, Real Madrid. Hence it will be difficult for the visiting Athletic Club Bilbao to beat Real Betis in this home tie. Also looking at the last match played between the two sides which was earlier this season it is evident that the contest will be closely fought one as the last match also ended in 0-0 draw. However in the overall head to head Real Betis do hold a definitive advantage as of the last 25 matches played they have won 8 times while Athletic Club Bilbao has managed just 5 victories.

Real Betis come back home after losing their last match against Racing Santander playing away from home and would be hoping to recover some lost points. They are a side that has done well playing at home in the recent past and have come out of relegation with a lot of grit and should do well again playing at home. Schmidt and Pavone would make the big difference to this side and their contribution would be very crucial.

Athletic Club Bilbao on the other hand enter this match on a comparatively positive note as they were able to win their last match which was played against Valladolid last week. Though their away form has been fairly good it would be an uphill task beating Real Betis at this point of time while they are playing at home.

Prediction: 1-0, Real Betis win