This Sunday afternoon, Real Betis seek to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven as they host Celta Vigo at Estadio Benito Villamarin in La Liga. It should be a pulsating encounter given that Betis are fresh from their midweek victory in the Conference League and Celta Vigo had an extra week’s rest. Here’s everything you need to know including team news, predicted lineups and our match prediction.
Match Preview: Real Betis vs. Celta Vigo
Real Betis finished seventh in La Liga last season and earned a Conference League spot, joining teams like Chelsea as one of the favourites to win the competition. Their most recent victory came on Thursday when a last-gasp goal by Juanmi sealed a 1-0 win over Slovenian side Celje, keeping Betis top of their Conference League group.
Real Betis have not lost a league game since October 6 and are unbeaten in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Conference League since then. Seventh-placed Real Betis currently lie two points behind fourth-placed Villarreal in La Liga and are strong on home soil, having garnered 13 points from their six matches at Estadio Benito Villamarin. They have been solid defensively at home, conceding a mere four goals-an amount bettered by only Barcelona and Mallorca.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo had a flying start to November as they beat Getafe 1-0 for some relief after defeats to Real Madrid and Leganes last month. The only goal came from Anastasios Douvikas as Celta earned their first clean sheet since early October. Under the management of Claudio Giraldez, Celta sits 10th in the La Liga standings-three points from a top-six position-but their away record remains a concern, having conceded 13 goals across five away matches thus far.
Experienced forward Iago Aspas continues to be a mainstay for Celta Vigo. Coming into this campaign in his 15th full season at the club, he has been either a goalscorer or provider in seven out of his opening 11 games.
Team News
Real Betis, meanwhile, will once again have to make do without Giovani Lo Celso, who pulled a hamstring in October, ending an impressive start to the campaign. Similarly out of action is the experienced former Real Madrid midfielder Isco, with his long-term ankle problem. Further, the availability of right-back Hector Bellerin is still in question after he missed the Conference League game last week.
There is still no Celta Vigo without Luca de la Torre, who has missed the entire season so far, and without Brazilian defender Jailson, working his way from a hamstring injury, maybe returning after the break.
Predicted Lineups
Silva; Sabaly, Barta, Llorente, Perraud; Fornals, Losada, Cardoso, Ezzalzouli; Avila, Roque
Guaita; Rodriguez, Starfelt, Alonso; Mingueza, Moriba, Sotelo, Ristic; Aspas, Bamba, Douvikas
Real Betis vs. Celta Vigo Prediction
Betis have lost only once in their own backyard this term in the league, and they can be assured of victory as the two teams meet this Sunday. The fact that Celta have a long time to prepare for the tie, Real Betis’s form and home advantage should help them in this clash.
Prediction: Real Betis 2-1 Celta Vigo
