Prediction: Cadiz vs Betis

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 1.87

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Cadiz will host Betis on Friday night hoping to get a win that will keep their La Liga survival hopes alive. The game will be played on Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla starting at 8 PM local time.

Cadiz

Cadiz seems to be running on last season’s script when they pulled off a miraculous survival in the last rounds, ending the season with 2 points above relegation. New era same story with the host sitting currently in a dropout position, 3 points below safety. Although Sergio was the manager who rescued Cadiz last season, his faith was sealed after losing away at Alaves at the end of January.

The club replaced him with Mauricio Pellegrino, following a disastrous run of 17 matches without a win. The newly installed boss had an instant impact on his players who came off the pitch undefeated against Athletic Bilbao and Villareal. Despite Bilbao and Villareal’s firepower, Cadiz managed to hold the lines securing 2 goalless draws.

Defensively, they seem to have improved, however, failing to score a goal after 180 minutes of playtime will have Mauricio Pellegrino questioning the value of his upfront players. A positive result tonight against Betis can set off Cadiz towards a revival that could have the team above the line at the end of the round.

Playing against troubled sides in the next 3 games (Osasuna, Celta Vigo and Rayo Vallecano) is the perfect schedule for Cadiz who is looking to improve their table position. Mauricio Pellegrino’s side has a debt to pay towards their fans who never witnessed a victory on Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla against Betis.

Team News

Cadiz will be without a few key players against Betis. Luis Hernandez is still out after suffering a terrible knee injury on 19 January. The doctors are giving him slim chances to play again this season.

Fede San Emeterio is also out for the rest of the season following a cruciate ligament tear. Mauricio Pellegrino will also be without Jose Mari, the experienced midfielder will return to action only in the next season.

Betis

Betis had a rollercoaster season with ups and downs both in Europe and domestically. The Green and Whites were subject to multiple key players being injured sending therefore the visitors on 8th, out of the European qualifying positions. However, Manuel Pellegrini’s players have a 2-point gap to fill if they aim to play Conference League football next season.

The visitors’ ongoing injuries were felt heavily on the pitch with Pellegrini’s team suffering upfront. Betis scored only 26 goals in 23 rounds, displaying the weakest attack from the top 8 La Liga sides. Also, the Chilean manager is facing problems at the back line with his defenders being unable to stop opposition teams from scoring.

The Heliopolitans failed to impress away from home winning only 4 games played in all competitions (La Liga, Copa del Rey and Europa League). Despite these poor results, Betis managed to pull a crucial win at Son Moix Stadium against Mallorca (1-0 final score).

Failing to qualify for the Europa League knockout stage, Pellegrini’s team dropped into the Conference League where 2 games against Dinamo Zagreb are forthcoming. February can be a make-or-break month for Betis whose repeated injuries and busy schedule will be difficult to overcome.

Team News

Mauricio Pellegrini is happy to have some key figures back in action. However, the Betis boss will not be able to count on several players. Marc Bartra is recovering from his Achilles tendon injury and will not play against Mallorca.

Isco, Abnner and Johnny Cardoso are also out. Centre forward Cedrik Bakambu will not be available due to his national team selection. Marc Roca, Juan Miranda, Aitor Ruibala and Assane Diao are at risk of suspension.

Key factors to consider

• Cadiz displayed recovery signs under the new boss Mauricio Pellegrino following 2 games without defeat
• The hosts sit on a dropout position, 3 points below the safety
• Cadiz is struggling in the opposition box scoring only 15 goals in 23 games
• Betis failed to keep up the high temp both in Europe and domestically
• The visitors are struggling on the road, winning only 2 games played in La Liga

Conclusion

Cadiz needs a desperate win to ease the table position pressure. The hosts had impressive performances against Bilbao and Villareal, pulling off 2 draws without conceding. However, Betis’s key players are back in action after recovering from injuries, boosting the attacking power of The Green and Whites. Considering both teams are in desperate need of points, an open game with a lot of open spaces behind the defending lines is expected.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 1.87

Bookmaker: ZetBet