Prediction: Real Betis vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Both teams to score 

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to make a return to winning ways on Saturday night, Real Madrid will travel to the Estadio Benito Villamarín when they face off against Real Betis.

Real Betis

Starting with the hosts, while Real Betis might have thought they had a golden chance to pick up maximum points at the second attempt last weekend, Manuel Pellegrini’s side once again missed a chance on home soil. Eventually having to come from behind and playing out a 1-1 draw against Cadiz at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, despite missing a string of chances, Los Verdiblancos know they should face another stern test on Saturday night. Having to settle for back-to-back stalemates after opening the 2021/22 La Liga campaign earlier in the month, the former West Ham boss has seen his side gain a real reputation as a draw specialist over the past four months. Including 1-1 draws against Cadiz and Mallorca so far, Betis have played out a stalemate in nine of their last 12 top-flight contests continuing on from last season. Likewise, it should also be noted that this weekend’s hosts have seen four of their last six La Liga matchups in Seville finish in a stalemate.

Team News

Still dealing with some injury issues in their camp, Betis look set to be without the likes of Youssouf Sabaly, Alex Moreno and Diego Lainez on Saturday night.

However, in what could be a boost for this weekend’s guests, one-time Barcelona defender Marc Bartra could be in line to feature.

Real Madrid

As for the visitors, while Real Madrid might have opened the 2021/22 campaign with a thumping 4-1 victory against Alaves earlier in the month, Los Blancos came crashing back down to earth eight days ago. Throwing away the lead at Levante last weekend and eventually having to settle for what was an action-packed 3-3 draw at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, the former Spanish champions are still trying to find their feet. Starting a new adventure over the summer as it was announced that Carlo Ancelotti would be making his return to the Bernabéu, the one-time Napoli boss should be looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Saturday night. With starlet Vinícius Júnior opening his La Liga account with a brace last weekend, The Whites should also be boosted by what is a largely impressive record away at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. Including a 3-2 win in their last trip to Sevilla, Madrid have won four of their last five matchups away at Betis.

Team News

In what looks like a real blow for Los Blancos, key midfielder Luka Modric looks set to miss out this weekend as he nurses a thigh injury.

The former Tottenham ace looks set to join the likes of Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy on the sidelines. However, defender Nacho looks set to make his return on Saturday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off in Sevilla, Los Blancos picked up a 3-2 win on the road.
• In fact, Real Madrid have won four of their last five matchups at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.
• Continuing on from last season, the former Spanish champions are unbeaten in each of their last 20 La Liga matchups.
• Including back-to-back draws since opening the 2021/22 campaign, Betis have seen nine of their last 12 top-flight contests finish in a stalemate.
• Real Madrid’s opening two La Liga matchups so far this season have produced 11 goals.

Conclusion

Eventually having to settle for an action-packed 3-3 draw away at Levante last weekend, Real Madrid will know that it is important to bounce back at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. Desperate to try and reclaim their La Liga crown this season, Los Blancos will be hoping to put in a far more rugged display on Saturday night. With their opening two contests already producing 11 goals, we might be in for another lively affair in Sevilla. With Betis only continuing to gain a reputation as a real stalemate specialist, Madrid should at least be boosted by a largely successful record away at this weekend’s hosts. Landing a 3-2 win the last time they made the trip to Los Verdiblancos, it should also be noted that each of the last six straight meetings between Madrid and Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarín have finished with both teams finding the net.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet