The Estadio Benito Villamarin is the stage as Real Betis play hosts to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey this Thursday. With a place in the last four up for grabs, both sides will be keen on grabbing it for themselves. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.

Bilbao has proved to be the dominant side in this fixture winning 17 of the last 40 meetings. Although Betis aren't that far off with 11 wins, they haven't impressed of recent with Bilbao winning the last two meetings.

All eyes laser-focused on the semis

Betis booked a place in the last 8 after being dragged to extra time by Real Sociedad. In a game which both sides saw red, Betis emerged 3-1 winner to stretch their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven games. They quickly made it eight games with a 1-0 win over Osasuna in the league. Can they manage to continue this decent run of results?

Bilbao, on the other hand, emerged victoriously against CD Alcoyano in their own last 16 ties. Three days later, they travelled to the Camp Nou for a rematch of the Super Cup final as they went head-to-head with Barcelona. However, they couldn't make it two wins from two against the Blaugrana as they left Catalonia on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline.

Betis vs Bilbao Team News

Lainez is unavailable for the home side after testing positive for the COVID-19 while Camarasa, Martin, and Bravo are all injured. Bilbao head into this game without any major injury problems.

Betis possible starting XI:

Robles; Moreno, Sidnei, Mandi, Emerson; Carvalho, Guardado; Tello, Fekir, Moron; Iglesias

Bilbao possible starting XI:

Simon; Lekue, Martinez, Nunez, Berchiche; De Marcos, Vesga, D. Garcia, Munian; R. Garcia, Villalibre

Betis vs Bilbao Prediction: 1-2

Betis have been immense since the turn of the year given that they still haven't lost. Bilbao, on the other hand, would be keen on adding yet another title to their cabinet having won the Super Cup just last month. Bilbao easily went past Betis in their most recent league game. Although we don't expect it to be that easy given the circumstances, we would back the Basque side to progress through.