Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Perhaps the marquee fixture in La Liga this weekend is one that took place in the Copa del Rey the other day as Real Betis face Atletico Madrid, this time in Madrid.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / Disney+ / US – ESPN+
Atletico Madrid preview: Impressive Atleti
Atletico Madrid managed to impressively dispatch of Real Betis by five goals to nil in the Copa del Rey the other day with new signings Obed Vargas, Rodri Mendoza and Ademola Lookman all in the squad; the latter scoring on debut for Los Rojiblancos at La Cartuja.
Atleti haven't been able to show that level of form away from home on a consistent basis throughout the campaign, hence the fact they are so far away from being legitimately involved in the title race with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Real Betis preview: Not as bad as many think
Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini may well find himself under increased pressure after recently being criticised by some supporters for Los Verdiblancos beginning to stagnate with the Chilean at the helm.
That annihilation at the hands of Atleti does, though, come after a run of form whereby Betis had suffered just four defeats in their last 12 matches across all competitions as they chase the top four and the UEFA Champions League spots.
Atletico Madrid team news: A few doubts
Atletico Madrid are dealing with a few doubts for this one as midfield duo Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso are potentially sidelined alongside Alexander Sorloth.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Rodri Mendoza, Koke, Alex Baena; Griezmann, Lookman
Unavailable:
Questionable: Johnny (Injured), Pablo Barrios (Injured), Sorloth (Injured)
Real Betis team news: Several issues
Real Betis head to the capital city with a few injury issues as Sofyan Amrabat is a confirmed absentee in the middle of the park alongside Giovani Lo Celso and Isco.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alex Valles; Aitor Ruibal, Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente, Rodriguez; Nelson Deossa, Marc Roca; Antony, Pablo Fornals, Abde Ez; Chimy Avila
Unavailable: Hector Bellerin (Injured), Amrabat (Injured), Lo Celso (Injured), Isco (Injured)
Questionable: Junior Firpo (Injured), Cucho (Injured)
Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis prediction
Atletico Madrid, albeit having played a game more than next best Barcelona, have collected the most points at home in La Liga so far this season. Betis have only lost to Atleti, Real Madrid, Barca, PAOK Salonika and Deportivo Alaves since a 2-1 loss to Athletic Club all the way back in late-August. That is last season's top four and two surprise losses, albeit away from home. Criticism of Manuel Pellegrini is harsh but it is unlikely to calm with Atletico surely expected to continue their fine home form at the Metropolitano.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis tip: Atletico Madrid to win & both teams to score
