Liverpool vs Real Betis Predictions

Liverpool vs Real Betis for this pre-season friendly tie. Liverpool begin their USA tour against Real Betis at Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, early Friday morning UK time. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips

Club Friendlies | Jul 27, 2024 at 12.30am UK at Heinz Field

Liverpool vs Real Betis Predictions

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Can Liverpool’s Attacking Depth Overpower Real Betis in Pre-Season Opener?

Liverpool are set to begin their pre-season tour in the United States with a challenging fixture against Real Betis at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. This match is the first of three planned friendlies in the States for the Reds, who are adjusting to a new era under head coach Arne Slot. Meanwhile, Real Betis, managed by the experienced Manuel Pellegrini, will be looking to build on their recent successes as they prepare for the new La Liga season. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the upcoming game, featuring team forms, key player matchups, tactical insights, and detailed predictions.

Team Form and Performance Analysis

Liverpool’s Pre-Season Adjustments

Liverpool are entering this pre-season with significant changes. The departure of Jurgen Klopp has ushered in a new era under Arne Slot, the former Feyenoord manager. Slot’s first match in charge ended in a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Preston North End, a game played behind closed doors. Despite the loss, Liverpool are expected to utilise their pre-season to integrate new tactics and formations under Slot’s guidance. The Reds will be keen to build on their third-place finish in the Premier League and their return to the Champions League.

Real Betis’ Preparations

Real Betis are also in the midst of their pre-season preparations. Under Pellegrini, Betis have started strong, recording a resounding 5-1 victory over Austria Salzburg. Last season, Betis had a mixed bag of results, finishing seventh in La Liga and falling short in both the Copa del Rey and Europa League. Pellegrini’s men will aim to carry the momentum from their last match into this friendly against Liverpool, as they look to improve their league standing and performance in Europe.

Expected Lineups and Tactical Approaches

Liverpool’s Possible Lineup

Liverpool’s probable starting eleven includes Kelleher; Bradley, Phillips, Van den Berg, Robertson; Jones, Endo, Szoboszlai; Doak, Salah, Carvalho. With several key players absent due to international commitments, Slot will rely heavily on young talents and fringe players. The 4-3-3 formation will likely focus on high pressing and quick transitions, leveraging Salah’s attacking prowess and Szoboszlai’s creative midfield play.

Real Betis’ Potential Formation

Betis might line up with Silva; Sabaly, Llorente, Arnal, Perraud; Carvalho, Altimira; Fornals, Fekir, Juanmi; Fernandez. Pellegrini is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasising midfield control and attacking flexibility. Fekir’s role as the playmaker will be crucial, and his ability to link up with the forwards could pose significant challenges for Liverpool’s defence.

Key Player Duels

Mohamed Salah vs. Real Betis Defence

Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool’s most potent attacking threat. His speed, technical ability, and finishing skills will test Betis’s defensive line, particularly the centre-back pairing of Llorente and Arnal. Salah’s movement off the ball and positioning will be critical in creating scoring opportunities.

Nabil Fekir vs. Liverpool Midfield

Nabil Fekir’s creativity and vision make him a key player for Betis. His duel with Liverpool’s midfield, particularly against Endo and Jones, will be vital in determining Betis’s ability to control the game. Fekir’s dribbling and passing accuracy can unlock defences, making him a constant threat.

Areas of the Field Where the Match Could Be Decided

The midfield battle will likely be the focal point of this match. Liverpool’s ability to press high and recover the ball quickly will be tested against Betis’s possession-based approach. The effectiveness of Szoboszlai and Jones in breaking Betis’s play and transitioning to attack could be decisive. Additionally, set pieces might play a significant role, given both teams’ aerial strengths and weaknesses.

Gameplay Predictions

Given the playing styles of both teams, Liverpool are expected to adopt a high-pressing game, aiming to disrupt Betis’s build-up play and capitalise on turnovers. Betis, on the other hand, will look to maintain possession and utilise quick passing to exploit spaces in Liverpool’s defence. The match is likely to be open and attacking, with both sides creating numerous chances.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Liverpool’s Pros and Cons

Liverpool’s main strengths lie in their attacking depth and pressing game. Players like Salah and Szoboszlai bring creativity and goal-scoring abilities. However, their defence, particularly in the absence of key players, can be vulnerable, as evidenced by their loss to Preston.

Real Betis’ Pros and Cons

Betis’s ball retention and midfield control are notable strengths. They excel in maintaining possession and dictating the game’s tempo. However, their defence has shown inconsistencies, and their ability to convert possession into goals needs improvement, as highlighted by their numerous draws last season.

Managerial Analysis

Arne Slot

Arne Slot’s arrival at Liverpool marks a significant shift in managerial style. Known for his high-pressing and attacking philosophy, Slot’s approach will demand high energy and tactical discipline. However, his inexperience at the Premier League level might pose challenges in adapting to the competitive nature of English football.

Manuel Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini’s extensive experience in European football brings stability and tactical acumen to Betis. His emphasis on possession-based football has been effective, but his reluctance to adapt mid-game has drawn criticism. Pellegrini’s ability to make timely adjustments will be crucial against dynamic teams like Liverpool.

Areas for Improvement

Liverpool

Liverpool need to work on defensive organisation and reducing errors, particularly in set-piece situations. Improving their passing accuracy in the opposition half and ensuring better finishing could enhance their attacking efficiency.

Real Betis

Betis must focus on converting their possession into meaningful chances. Enhancing their defensive stability and ensuring effective transitions from defence to attack will be vital in improving their overall performance.

Predictions

Best Bet: Liverpool to Win and Both Teams to Score

Given Liverpool's attacking capabilities and Betis's propensity to score, predicting Liverpool to win with both teams finding the net is reasonable. Despite their defensive vulnerabilities, Liverpool’s offensive depth should see them outscore Betis.

Correct Score Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Real Betis

Aligning with the best bet, a 3-1 victory for Liverpool seems plausible. Liverpool's attacking firepower, led by Salah, should overwhelm Betis, while Betis’s ability to score ensures they get on the scoresheet as well.

Goalscorer Prediction: Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah is expected to be the key goalscorer for Liverpool. His consistent scoring record and ability to exploit defensive lapses make him a prime candidate to find the back of the net in this match.

First Team to Score Prediction: Liverpool

Considering Liverpool’s aggressive playing style and high pressing, they are likely to open the scoring. Their attacking intensity in the early stages should see them find the net before Betis.

Innovative Market Prediction: Total Team Shots on Target - Liverpool Over 6.5

Liverpool’s average of 7.3 shots on target per game in the Premier League, coupled with their attacking depth, makes predicting over 6.5 shots on target a strong choice. Their offensive strategy and Betis’s defensive lapses provide a solid rationale for this market.

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