Real Betis vs Espanyol Preview: Team News & Prediction
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La Cartuja, the temporary home of Real Betis, plays host to the Andalusians returning to action after the break with the visit of Espanyol to Seville this week.
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 / US – ESPN+
Real Betis preview: Frustrated Betis
Manuel Pellegrini and his Real Betis side come into this one on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Athletic Club at San Mames, heading into the international break in some very average form.
They are winless in their last five matches in La Liga but Los Verdiblancos do have an upcoming quarter-final in the UEFA Europa League against Braga to look forward to later this month.
Espanyol preview: Declining Catalans
Espanyol began this season exceptionally well but the Catalans have since majorly drifted as they slip into the bottom-half of La Liga and away from the European spots ahead of this weekend's round of fixtures.
The visitors suffered a 2-1 loss to Getafe a couple of weeks ago, extending their winless run of form to 12 matches in the calendar year of 2026, with the pressure growing on manager Manolo Gonzalez.
Real Betis team news: Angel Ortiz a doubt
Betis right-back Angel Ortiz is now a doubt for this weekend due to a shoulder issue, while both Giovani Lo Celso and Isco are also trying to work their way back to full fitness.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Alex Valles; Hector Bellerin, Marc Bartra, Natan, Junior Firpo; Pablo Fornals, Marc Roca, Sergi Altimira; Aitor Ruibal, Cucho, Abde Ez
Unavailable:
Questionable: Angel Ortiz (Injured), Lo Celso (Injured), Isco (Injured)
Espanyol team news: Pere Milla suspended
Key and experienced attacker Pere Milla is missing through suspension for Espanyol this weekend, while versatile attacker Javi Puado is sidelined due to a knee injury, too.
Predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Riedel, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero; Ngonge, Edu Exposito, Urko Gonzalez, Dolan; Ramon Terrats; Kike
Unavailable: Pere Milla (Suspended), Javi Puado (Injured)
Questionable: Fernando Calero (Injured)
Real Betis vs Espanyol prediction
Espanyol are sticking loyal to their coach but time may well be running out. They will believe, though, that they can take advantage of a potentially distracted Betis side, who may well be focused on that European tie that is coming up, in Seville and so both teams scoring appears a decent bet for this one on Saturday evening.
Real Betis vs Espanyol tip: Both teams to score
