Betis-Almeria is a match on the ninth day of La Liga and is played on Sunday at 21:00: odds, predictions, TV and streaming.
Betis drew 1-1 with José Mourinho’s Roma to clinch qualification for the Europa League round of 16 two days earlier. Manuel Pellegrini’s green-and-whites now only have to consolidate their lead and avoid a tricky playoff in February. But the Sevillian club are also running fast in La Liga, where they are proving that they are in no way suffering from the double weekly commitment. Unlike their Sevilla cousins, who are even flirting with the relegation zone, Joaquin and his teammates are momentarily fifth, just one point behind fourth place occupied by Athletic Bilbao. In this round they will try to return to the success they have been missing since the 2-1 win against Girona on 18 September last year.
Since that match, a narrow defeat at home to Celta Vigo and a scoreless draw with newly-promoted Real Valladolid (ex-Florentine player Pezzella was sent off in the middle of the first half). Only one point against two teams within their reach: inevitably to be considered as two missed opportunities, given that if they had made a run, the Andalusians would now find themselves close to the three big names. Betis called upon to redeem themselves against Almeria, another team that climbed from the Segunda Division last year. The men led by Rubi have not impressed, but for now they are out of the red zone: thanks to the success obtained last Saturday against Rayo Vallecano (3-1).
Leo Baptistao
The Prediction
Having secured qualification in the Europa League, Betis should return to winning ways in La Liga, aiming to enter the top four. Almeria are a tough side but certainly within the reach of Pellegrini’s side, who are favourites for the three points. The total goals will most likely be at least three at the ‘Benito Villamarin’.
Betis-Almeria’s likely line-up
- BETIS (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Sabaly, Luiz Felipe, Víctor Ruiz, Álex Moreno; Carvalho, Guido; Canales, Rodri, Luiz Henrique; Borja Iglesias.
- ALMERIA (4-2-3-1): Fernando; Mendes, Ely, Babic, Akieme; De la Hoz, Robertone; Baptistao, Samú Costa, Ramazani; El Bilal Touré.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-1
