Prediction: Real Betis vs Atletico Madrid

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

Real Betis and Atletico Madrid have different objectives on their minds ahead of the final Liga matchweek in 2019. While Los Colchoneros are looking to sneak into the Top 4 race, Betis simply want to end the year on a high note since they sit in the middle of the standings. These two sides will collide Sunday at 15:00 GMT at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Real Betis

Real Betis have undoubtedly taken most of their points at home, and their recent form backs up that statement. Los Verdiblancos have lost just two of nine games at Estadio Benito Villamarin this term (W5, D2, L2) and, as if that wasn’t enough, they also enter this contest riding a four-game undefeated streak in LaLiga (W3, D1). One of the most notable trends for them has been the fact that both teams have scored in every single home game for Betis thus far, but their recent matches against Atletico Madrid have been characterized by their lack of goals since each of the last four has featured under 1.5 goals scored in total. But that seems to be something that only happens when they face Atletico. Each of Betis’ last six games has featured over 2.5 goals scored, and Betis are on a five-game undefeated run (W4, D1) over that span. They sit in 12th place of the standings with 23 points, but they are on the rise.

Team News

Alfonso (calf), William Carvalho (back) and Juanmi (foot) have been ruled out for this match.

Missing the Portugal international could be tough in midfield. But overall, Betis should field a very strong side here.

Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone’s men have not had a season according to their standards during the current term despite sitting in fifth place of the standings with 29 points and despite losing just one of their last league matches (W2, D2, L1). Los Colchoneros also have the best defence in the competition with only 10 goals conceded, but they have scored just 18 goals and roughly average over 1.0 goal per game. That’s not enough for a team that features forwards such as Alvaro Morata, Joao Felix and Diego Costa on a weekly basis. The Madrid-based club seems to have their focus on the Champions League, but they enter this match on a two-game undefeated streak (W1, D1). Even though that might not move them too close to the top of the standings, at the very least a win here could push Atletico into Top 4 status ahead of their final game of the 2019 calendar year. Can they get the three points here despite Betis’ strong form at home?

Team News

Atletico Madrid will be without Diego Costa, as the veteran striker is dealing with a hernia problem.

Several other players have been listed as questionable. The list includes Koke (muscular), Stefan Savic (muscular), Vitolo (groin) and Sime Vrsaljko (knee).

Key Factors to Consider

• Both teams have scored in every single Betis home match during this season. Plus, there has been over 1.5 goals scored at half time in four of their last six home games.
• Atletico Madrid have not conceded goals in half of their away matches this season. They have also kept a clean sheet in three of their last five trips to this venue.
• Each of the last five H2H meetings has ended with under 2.5 goals scored. The last four featured under 1.5 total goals.
• As if that wasn’t enough, the last four H2H matches have also had just one team (or none) scoring. A high-scoring affair shouldn’t be the expectation here.
• Atletico Madrid have not conceded goals in each of their last three matches in all competitions.

Conclusion

The five previous meetings between these two sides produced under 2.5 goals. Plus, Atletico Madrid currently own the league’s best defensive unit and concede less than one goal per game on average. Expect this contest to be a low-scoring affair once again.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: 888sport