Prediction: Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

Seeking a much-needed boost this weekend, Atletico Madrid will welcome a high-flying Real Betis to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday afternoon.

Atletico Madrid

Starting with the hosts, while Atletico Madrid might have opened the 2021/22 campaign with many tipping them to reclaim their La Liga crown, Los Colchoneros find themselves in the midst of a recent struggle. Despite smelling what was a real chance away at Levante earlier in the week, Diego Simeone’s side were hit with last-gasp heartbreak on the road. Throwing away the lead twice and eventually shipping a 90th-minute goal, the defending champions open this weekend’s fixtures sat down in sixth and desperate to make up some ground. Marking their return from October’s international break with that action-packed 3-2 defeat against Premier League giants Liverpool at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, Atletico have failed to win any of their last three matchups across all formats. Likewise, also having to settle for another 2-2 draw against an impressive Real Sociedad outfit last weekend, Simeone will have a real headache over his side’s extended issues at the back. Shipping a pair of goals in each of their last three outings, Sunday’s hosts have recorded just a single clean sheet from their last seven matchups across all formats.

Team News

Atletico Madrid have confirmed that both Marcos Llorente and Thomas Lemar will be missing on Sunday.

However, central defender Jose Gimenez has recovered from an injury issue and has been given the green light to return.

Real Betis

As for the visitors, while Atletico Madrid might find themselves in the midst of a recent sluggish spell, the same cannot be said for a high-flying Real Betis. With the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, Los Verdiblancos were last seen earlier in the week laying down another marker. Putting on a rampant display at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Head Coach Manuel Pellegrini saw his side storm their way to an eye-catching 4-1 romp against Valencia. Really finding their feet under the former West Ham boss after securing a European return last season, Betis are enjoying a stellar purple patch. Marking their return from October’s international break with a deserved 1-0 victory away at Alaves, Sunday’s guests have won each of their last three La Liga contests on the spin. Likewise, potentially smelling the chance to cause what would be an upset in the capital this weekend, it should also be noted that Pellegrini’s men have collected 15 points from their last six top-flight fixtures.

Team News

Defender Youssouf Sabaly is still suffering with an injury issue and will not make the trip to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday.

Likewise, Real Betis are also sweating over the fitness of Victor Camarasa who is also carrying a knock.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back in April, they played out a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.
• Atletico Madrid have shipped over 1.5 goals in each of their last three matchups across all formats.
• Likewise, Sunday’s hosts have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous seven outings.
• Real Betis have collected 15 points from just their last six La Liga contests.
• Likewise, Manuel Pellegrini’s men have lost just one of their previous 11 matchups across all formats.

Conclusion

While Atletico Madrid might open Sunday’s meeting as a standout pick, the defending Spanish champions could face a stern test in the capital this weekend. Eventually having to settle for a last-gasp point away at Levante in midweek, Los Colchoneros have failed to win any of their last three matchups across all formats. Showing a host of recent issues at the back and shipping over 1.5 goals in each of their last three outings, a high-flying Real Betis could be smelling a chance to lay down a shock marker here. Last seen earlier in the week landing a thumping 4-1 win at home against Valencia, Los Verdiblancos are in the midst of a stellar purple patch. Winning five of their last six La Liga outings, we could have another lively affair on our hands this weekend. With four of Atletico’s last five matchups finishing with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Unibet