Real Betis vs Real Sociedad Predictions

Real Betis vs Real Sociedad predictions for their La Liga clash. Real Betis host Real Sociedad on Sunday at Benito Villamarin in a crucial Europa League qualification battle. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.

La Liga | Gameweek 37 – May 19, 2024 at 6:00pm UK at Estadio Benito Villamarin

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Real Betis vs Real Sociedad Predictions

Betis and Sociedad Set for a Thrilling Battle for European Spots

This weekend, Real Betis host Real Sociedad at the Benito Villamarin in a crucial fixture in the race for Europa League qualification. Real Betis, currently in seventh place with 56 points from 36 matches, will look to leapfrog Real Sociedad, who sit just one point ahead in sixth. Both teams are eager to secure a top-six finish, making this a high-stakes encounter.

Current Form and Recent Results

Real Betis Real Betis moved into sixth place with a 3-2 victory over Almeria on matchday 35, only to drop back to seventh following a 2-2 draw with Las Palmas. Facing a side that had lost eight consecutive games, Betis were expected to secure a win, especially after taking the lead twice through a Mika Marmol own goal and an effort from Ayoze Perez. However, they conceded two equalisers and dropped crucial points.

Despite the frustration of the draw, Betis extended their unbeaten run to six matches. They are five points clear of Villarreal and on the cusp of securing European qualification for the fourth consecutive season. A win against Real Sociedad would put them in a strong position to clinch a sixth-place finish and qualify for the Europa League. Betis have also avoided defeat in their last six encounters with La Real, although the last two matches ended in goalless draws.

Real Sociedad Real Sociedad secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Valencia on Thursday, capitalising on Betis’ draw to reclaim sixth place. Andre Silva’s early goal was enough to secure the win and a second consecutive home clean sheet. With 14 shutouts this season and just 37 goals conceded, La Real boast one of the league’s best defensive records.

While they will fall short of last season’s fourth-place finish, a victory over Betis would guarantee a top-six finish for the sixth consecutive season. Sociedad have the fourth-best away record in La Liga, having collected 27 points from 18 road trips. They will aim to secure their first win at the Benito Villamarin since October 2020.

Team News and Expected Lineups

Real Betis Betis will be without their standout player Isco, who sustained a leg injury against Las Palmas, ruling him out for the rest of the season and dashing his hopes of a Spain call-up for Euro 2024. Argentine midfielder Guido Rodriguez also faces a late fitness test after being forced off midweek. Marc Bartra, Cedric Bakambu, and Chimy Avila remain sidelined, while German Pezzella is a doubt.

Expected Lineup: Silva; Sabaly, Sokratis, Riad, Miranda; Cardoso, Roca; Fornals, Fekir, Perez; Willian Jose

Real Sociedad Real Sociedad’s treatment room is busy, with Aihen Munoz, Martin Merquelanz, Martin Zubimendi, Igor Zubeldia, and Carlos Fernandez all unavailable. Atletico Madrid loanee Javi Galan is also doubtful after missing recent matches with a foot injury. Manager Imanol Alguacil might recall Hamari Traore, Brais Mendez, Sheraldo Becker, and Mikel Oyarzabal to the starting lineup.

Expected Lineup: Remiro; Traore, Le Normand, Pacheco, Tierney; Merino, Mendez, Turrientes; Kubo, Becker, Oyarzabal

Tactical Analysis

Real Betis (4-2-3-1) Real Betis are expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming for a balanced approach with a solid defensive base and creative attacking play. The absence of Isco will be felt, but Nabil Fekir’s creativity and Ayoze Perez’s attacking threat will be crucial. Betis will look to control possession and exploit Sociedad’s defensive gaps with quick transitions and set-piece opportunities.

Real Sociedad (4-3-3) Real Sociedad will likely stick to a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. Mikel Oyarzabal’s experience and Takefusa Kubo’s creativity will be vital in breaking down Betis’ defence. Sociedad’s solid defensive record will be tested, but their ability to transition quickly could catch Betis off guard.

Key Areas and Player Battles

Midfield Battle The midfield duel between Betis’ Marc Roca and Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino will be crucial. Both players are central to their team’s play, controlling the tempo and providing defensive cover. The winner of this battle could dictate the game’s flow and control possession.

Defensive Resilience Betis’ backline, marshalled by Sokratis, will need to stay alert to the threat posed by Sociedad’s attackers, particularly Oyarzabal and Kubo. Conversely, Sociedad’s defensive duo of Le Normand and Pacheco will need to manage the attacking threats from Perez and Fekir.

Set-Pieces and Aerial Duels Set-pieces could play a significant role, with both teams possessing aerial threats. Betis’ ability to deliver quality crosses and Sociedad’s defensive organisation will be tested.

Gameplay Prediction

Real Betis will aim to control possession, using their midfield strength to create chances and exploit Sociedad’s defensive gaps. Sociedad will rely on their solid defensive structure and quick counter-attacks to catch Betis off guard. The game could be tightly contested, with both teams having opportunities to score.

Suggestions for Improvement

Real Betis Betis need to improve their defensive consistency and maintain concentration, especially late in games. Offensively, they must be more clinical and convert their chances to avoid dropping crucial points.

Real Sociedad Sociedad should focus on improving their attacking efficiency, particularly in breaking down organised defences. Maintaining their defensive solidity while enhancing their offensive transitions will be key to securing a positive result.

Managerial Strengths and Criticisms

Manuel Pellegrini Pellegrini has guided Betis to a strong position, but his team’s occasional defensive lapses and inconsistency have been areas of concern. Addressing these issues will be crucial for Betis to secure a top-six finish.

Imanol Alguacil Alguacil’s ability to organise Sociedad’s defence has been impressive, but their offensive struggles and inconsistency away from home have been problematic. Enhancing their attacking efficiency while maintaining defensive discipline will be vital.

Predictions

Best Bet: Real Betis to Win Given their recent home form and Sociedad’s struggles in away games against top-seven teams, a Betis victory seems likely. Betis have won three of their last five home games and are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Sociedad.

Correct Score Prediction: Real Betis 2-1 Real Sociedad A 2-1 scoreline in favour of Betis appears plausible, considering their attacking capabilities and Sociedad’s defensive strength. Betis’ recent home form and Sociedad’s tendency to concede on the road support this prediction.

Goalscorer Prediction: Nabil Fekir to Score Anytime Nabil Fekir’s creativity and goal-scoring ability make him a strong candidate to find the net. With Isco out, Fekir will be even more crucial in Betis’ attacking play, increasing his chances of scoring.

Corner Prediction: Betis to Win More Corners Betis’ attacking style and home advantage suggest they will win more corners. Their ability to pressure Sociedad’s defence and create set-piece opportunities will likely result in a higher corner count for Betis.

Innovative Market Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals Both teams have attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities, making over 2.5 goals a reasonable prediction. Betis’ recent games have seen goals, and Sociedad’s offensive capabilities support this market.

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