Athletic Bilbao will hope to emulate last season’s top 10 finish with three early points against Real Betis.
Keep an eye on: Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao) ‘El Rey Leon’ is hot property on the transfer market with Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus keen to lure the prolific striker away San Mames. The Bilbao faithful will hope for a slim chance that he stays to replicate last season’s tally of 17 goals in 32 appearances.
Form Guide: Athletic Bilbao ( – – – – ) Real Betis ( – – – – )
Last season: Athletic Bilbao 2-3 Real Betis
Stat fact: An old rivalry is to be rekindled as this fixture has been played in the top flight on 94 occasions. Athletic have won 35 of those, lost 28 and drawn 31.
Athletic (probable): Iraizoz; Iraola, Gurpegui, Perez, Iturraspe; Ruiz de Galarreta, Ibai Gomez; Toquero, Susaeta, Ismael Lopez; Aduriz
Betis (probable): Casto; Nelson, Paulao, Dorado, Nacho; Juan Carlos, Perez, Benat, Juan Carlos, Pozuelo; Castro
