Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: bet365
Real Madrid are looking to bounce back from yet another La Liga disappointment as they travel to Real Betis this weekend. Los Blancos are in desperate need of a victory on Sunday to try and keep pace with leaders Barcelona but Real Betis also have plans of their own.
Real Betis
With only one win in their last five matches across all competitions, Real Betis are currently enduring a difficult period. Having suffered a 2-1 defeat at Huesca last time out in La Liga, Los Beticos went on to record a goalless Copa del Rey stalemate against Real Sociedad in the midweek.
Games are coming thick and fast for top-six hopefuls and despite their somewhat disappointing records of late, Real Betis still remain unbeaten in their last four home matches in the league. Defeat at league strugglers Huesca was a heavy blow to the club’s European ambitions but a win against struggling Real Madrid would be both a morale boost and an important step towards breaking into the top five. Los Beticos are currently trailing Los Blancos by four points and are hoping they could exploit Real Madrid’s weak form to cut the gap to only one point and thus increase their chances playing European football next year.
Team News
Spanish defender Firpo Junior is suffering from a thigh injury which kept him out of action for the last three games and the 22-year-old will once again be unavailable.
Brazilian defender Sidnei picked up a shoulder injury two weeks ago and will also be out of contention.
Real Madrid
European champions Real Madrid are looking at gapping 10-point difference between them and table-toppers Barcelona. Such a gap could go to huge 13 points by the time Los Blancos kick off in Seville and the pressure is mounting on Santiago Solari’s men.
A 3-0 Copa del Rey win over Leganes came as a confidence boost for Real Madrid but the fans will demand much more when their team returns to La Liga action. The 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad last time in the league is still aching and a swift return to winning ways is required. Given Real Madrid’s current faltering form, winning at Real Betis will be easier said than done. Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure coincided with a huge drop in form for Real Madrid who seem to be lacking substance in all elements of their game. Much needs to be changed and Santiago Solari is doing his best to lift the spirits up in what’s becoming a hugely disappointing season for Los Blancos.
Team News
Marco Asensio, Gareth Bale and Marcos Llorente are all suffering from respective injuries and will not be able to help their teammates in Seville.
Key Factors to Consider
- Real Betis are unbeaten in last 4 home games in La Liga
- Real Madrid are 10 points behind league leaders Barcelona
- Los Blancos won 3 of their last 5 trips to Benito Villamarin
- Betis are 4 points behind Real Madrid in the table
- Real Madrid managed only 1 clean sheet away in La LIga this season
Conclusion
With only four points separating the two teams in La Liga table, Real Betis and Real Madrid will have plenty to fight for at the Estadio Benito Villamarin. The hosts have endured a slight drop in form of late but will be well motivated to give faltering Real Madrid another slap in the face.
Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: bet365
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