At the Estadio Manuel Martnez Valero, Real Betis and Elche will face off in round 23 of the Spanish La Liga on Friday (February 24). Manuel Pellegrini’s team will attempt to complete an impressive league double over the hosts after winning the reverse match 3-0. Elche’s chances of avoiding the drop were further dashed when they lost to Espanyol 1-0 over the weekend.
In 22 games, Pablo Machin’s team has managed just one league victory, 15 draws, and six draws. Elche remains rooted to the bottom of the standings, 13 points from safety, with just nine points from a possible 66. In the meantime, Betis beat Real Valladolid 2-1 at home over the weekend to keep their hopes of finishing in the top four alive.
Prediction
Elche, who are trying to avoid relegation, will be up against Betis, a team that has had a successful season and is in the top tier of the standings. Pellegrini’s team has had a strong run of results away from home, so they should win easily.
Prediction: Betis 1-3 Elche
Head-to-Head
- Elche has a better record in this matchup, having won seven of their previous sixteen meetings.
- Over the course of this time, Betis have won five games, splitting the spoils four times.
- Since December, Elche has only won one of their last nine games, losing six and drawing twice.
- Betis are on a run of four successes in their last five away games, with a 1-0 misfortune to Espanyol on January 21 being the special case.
- With 45 goals conceded, Elche has the worst defensive record in the division. Additionally, they have scored the fewest goals (15).
Team news
With Pere Milla, Alex Collado, John Donald, and Jony Alamo currently out with injuries, the home team is also likely to be without four first-team players.
On Friday, Gonzalez is likely to return to the team, possibly replacing Carmona. However, despite the disappointing result against Espanyol, the team may remain the same with Lisandro Magallan moving into a wing-back position.
Guido Rodriguez will be suspended for Real Betis because of the yellow card he received against Real Valladolid last time out.
Meanwhile, injuries will prevent Borja Iglesias, Paul Akouokou, Juan Cruz, and Rodri from playing.
As a result of Rodriguez’s absence, Andres Guardado is likely to play in this game, and Ayoze Perez may once again lead the visitors’ defense.
lineup
Elche:
- Badia;
- Gonzalez, Palacios, Roco;
- Magallan, Mascarell, Gumbau, Clerc;
- Ponce, Boye, Fidel
Real Betis:
- Bravo;
- Sabaly, Felipe, Ruiz, Abner;
- Guardado, Carvalho;
- Canales, Fekir, Juanmi;
- Perez
Betting Tips
Betis scored first (Pellegrini’s team has scored first in four of their last five games against Elche).
Yes, both teams will score. In eight of Betis’ last ten games, both teams have scored.
Where to watch
- ESPN.
- ESPN2.
- ESPN Deportes.
- ESPN Deportes+
- ESPN+
- ESPNU.
- ESPN3.
- ESPN App.