Prediction: Real Betis vs Girona

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

In what could prove to be an action-packed La Liga showdown on Thursday night, Girona will travel to Real Betis.

Real Betis

Starting with the hosts, dragging themselves to another European finish last season, Manuel Pellegrini’s men will be looking to carry on from where they left off back in May. With some around the Estadio Benito Villamarín dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine top-four charge this time around, the former Manchester City boss saw his squad lose just one of their final seven La Liga appearances last year. However, despite signing off the 2023/24 campaign with a gritty 0-0 stalemate away at history-makers Real Madrid on May 25th, Betis will know the importance of finding some crucial stability on home soil. In fact, Pellegrini’s side recorded just a trio of victories from any of their final nine La Liga showdowns in Andalusia – a rut that stemmed all the way back to January 13th.

Team News

Making his move from Leeds a permanent one this summer, former Bayern Munich star Bayern Munich Marc Roca will start at the heart of Betis’ midfield here. Likewise, completing his own respective switch from Elland Road last month, ex-Roma loanee Diego Llorente will make his debut at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.

Still dealing with an injury issue continuing on from the summer break, Betis will once again be unable to call upon former Real Madrid star Isco on Thursday night. Despite notching just a single La Liga strike last season, 31-year-old Nabil Fekir could feature from the start here.

Girona

As for the visitors, embarking on what was a stunning La Liga romp last season as they received a string of plaudits from across the continent, Girona certainly cemented their spot as one of Europe’s ultimate surprise packages. Storming their way to an iconic Champions League ticket and riding a major wave of momentum, Michel’s men will be looking to lay down an early statement here. Signing off the 2023/24 campaign with a thumping 7-0 romp at home against Granada, the Catalonia-based outfit gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Snatching a bronze medal finish among Spain’s elite last season, Girona will also be excited by their most recent showdown against Thursday’s hosts. Landing an action-packed 3-2 victory when they welcomed Betis to the Estadi Montilivi on March 31st, the former Huesca boss will be hoping for a repeat performance.

Team News

Watching attacking talisman Artem Dovbyk complete a summer move to Italian giants Roma, new recruit and former Braga marksmen Abel Ruiz will shoulder Girona’s goalscoring duties on Thursday night. Likewise, all completing respective summer moves to Catalonia, the duo of Tottenham’s Bryan Gil and former Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek could feature here.

Both still dealing with injury issues continuing on from last season, Girona will be unable to call upon the duo of academy graduate Ricard Artero and veteran midfielder Borja Garcia. Former Napoli star David Lopez should be partnered with Daley Blind at the heart of Michel’s defence.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Real Betis and Girona last met back on March 31st, the Blanquivermells collected a 3-2 victory in Catalonia.
• Girona signed off the 2023/24 campaign by suffering just a single defeat from any of their final seven La Liga appearances.
• Real Betis collected just a trio of wins from any of their final nine La Liga showdowns at the Estadio Benito Villamarín last season.
• Girona recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their final eight top-flight appearances outside of Catalonia.
• Each of the last five meetings between Real Betis and Girona have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Two sides who will be looking to lay down their own respective statements on Thursday night, Real Betis and Girona do have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet. Watching the Blanquivermells claim an action-packed 3-2 victory when they welcomed Betis to Catalonia back on March 31st, we could be treated to another lively affair here. It should be noted, with each of the last five showdowns between Thursday’s opponents finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet