Betis to cut loose against reigning champs
As possibly the final ever La Liga title race as we know it, intensifies Real Madrid host former manager Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis. Betis have had an excellent second half of the season, pushing them into a great position to secure Europa League qualification for next term. Zinedine Zidane’s men have been finishing the campaign strongly, a clear trend in his managerial career, progressing past Liverpool and into the last four of the Champions League last week. The Galacticos would have been frustrated by their goalless draw at Getafe last time out, with seven to go they are three points off of top spot, this climax should be mouth watering viewing.
Process
Defence is the best form of attack for the visitors, they have a mid table defensive process however but a European places challenging offensive contingent, 30-year-old former Galactico Sergio Canales leads the fleet with 14 direct goal involvements in La Liga. The Green and Whites have scored 42 from 45.7 expected goals for, ranking them seventh and eighth respectively but see a slight regression at the back, conceding 45 from 42.9, Pellegrini will be conscious not to decrease their attacking threat in looking to tighten up.
Real Madrid have been trending towards the top of the division, as they should, all season long and with some recent good form despite an injury crisis, will be buoyant at their chances of retaining their crown domestically.
Goals?
Given the enormity of this fixture for both sides, I think it could be open, there will be goals. Betis are more than good enough to notch against the sixth best defence in La Liga according to expected goals. Thibaut Courtois will have his say on that but given their potency in recent months, the visitors will relish the underdog tag in this encounter.
- Real Madrid have scored in eight of 10.
- Real Madrid have conceded in seven of 10.
- Real Madrid have seen both teams score in seven of 10.
- Real Madrid have seen over 2.5 goals in five of 10.
- Real Betis have scored in nine of 10.
- Real Betis have conceded in seven of 10.
- Real Betis have seen both teams score in six of 10.
- Real Betis have seen over 2.5 goals in four of 10.
Amongst the debate of the future of football, Betis’ motivation should not be affected, and in that they can cause an upset here, but using the both teams to score market seems sensible.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
With the Champions League on the hosts' mind, this one played out goalless.