Real Betis remained in the bottom half of the standings as they lost to Athletic Bilbao at the New San Mames, and they are in desperate need of a morale-boosting victory.

Newly-promoted Villarreal continued their amazing run of result by defeating Espanyol and they can now further close the gap behind La Liga leaders against out-of-form Verdiblancos.

It was always going to be difficult for Real Betis to balance between their La Liga and Europa League campaigns, but nobody believed they would have so many problems.

With a number of important players leaving, boss Pepe Mel also had to rebuild the squad in a short period of time, which we all know is almost impossible.

This has seen his side pick up just five points from six La Liga fixtures, while sharing spoils with Lyon in their opening Europa League group game.

And even if team’s performances are not that bad at all, it appears the hectic schedule in the early exchanges is proving too much for them.

It will be difficult for Betis to recover from losing to Athletic in midweek having squandered a one-goal lead, but they are, nonetheless, 2.60 (8/5) favourites with BetVictor to put an end to Villarreal’s unbeaten run.

Nacho Perez should recover from a thigh injury, but Juan Carlos, Ruben Castro and Eder Vilarchao remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Sara – Chica, Amaya, Paulao, Nacho – Torres, Salva – Juanfran, Verdu, Cedric – Molina.

Despite playing their football in second division last term, Villarreal have quickly showed everyone they should still be regarded as one of Spain’s top sides.

The club’s decision not to sign too many new players this summer was spot on as that allowed the Yellow Submarine to hit the ground running immediately.

The record of 14 points from 6 games was much better than anyone expected, but nobody can say the team haven’t deserved it, having even managed to outclass mighty Real Madrid in the process.

Villarreal players will be full of confidence after seeing off very good Espanyol side in midweek, so bear in mind away win pays 2.90 (19/10) at Stan James.

Boss Marcelino Garcia Toral has no fresh injury worries, but after being rested in midweek, Javier Aquino, Jonathan Pereira and Trigueros should be recalled.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Asenjo – Mario, Musacchio, Dorado, Jaume Costa – Aquino, Bruno, Trigueros, Cani – Dos Santos, Pereira.

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