Real Betis vs Girona Preview: Team News & Prediction
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As ever for the next couple of seasons, Real Betis are returning from the November international break back to La Cartuja due to renovation work at the Benito Villamarin.
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: Strong Betis
Manuel Pellegrini is an experienced coach and he has done a magnificent job down in Andalusia in charge of Real Betis as Los Verdiblancos try and push for a top four finish and UEFA Champions League qualification in La Liga.
The home team did head into the international break on the back of some indifferent form as they most recently shared a 1-1 draw with Valencia at Mestalla, to make it one win in their last four matches in the league.
Girona preview: Improving Girona
After a woeful start to the campaign, Girona have stuck by outspoken manager Michel and their performance level has improved, albeit the Catalans do remain tucked inside the bottom three and the relegation places after 12 matches.
However, they went into the break on the back of a slender 1-0 defeat of Deportivo Alaves a couple of weeks ago at Montilivi, courtesy of a 16th minute winner scored by Ukraine international attacking midfielder Viktor Tsygankov.
Real Betis team news: Fresh doubts
Ricardo Rodriguez is a fresh injury concern for Betis, and he could be missing alongside former Leeds United defender Junior Firpo, whilst Isco is working his way back and now Cucho Hernandez could be unavailable.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alex Valles; Hector Bellerin, Marc Bartra, Natan, Victor Gomez; Amrabat, Pablo Fornals; Antony, Lo Celso, Abde Ez; Chimy Avila
Unavailable: Pau Lopez (Injured)
Questionable: Rodriguez (Injured), Junior Firpo (Injured), Isco (Injured), Cucho (Injured)
Girona team news: Several issues
Girona have several issues and they have another fresh issue in goal as Vladyslav Krapyvtsov is now expected to be sidelined alongside experienced defender Daley Blind.
Predicted XI (4-5-1): Paulo Gazzaniga; Arnau Martinez, Reis, Hugo Rincon, Alex Moreno; Tsygankov, Ivan Martin, Witsel, Ounahi, Bryan Gil; Vanat
Unavailable: Juan Carlos (Injured), Ricard Artero (Injured), Van de Beek (Injured)
Questionable: Krapyvtsov (Injured), Alejandro Frances (Injured), Blind (Injured), David Lopez (Injured)
Real Betis vs Girona prediction
Girona have begun to look a bit more cohesive and organised at the back. Finding patterns of play in attack is a bit easier for the visitors, having been one of the most entertaining teams in La Liga in recent seasons. They face a Betis side that will remain front foot and aggressive, especially in Seville, but the defensive injuries and potential absence of Cucho will give Girona confidence to build on their recent win against an often inconsistent and fallible home side.
Real Betis vs Girona tip: Girona to win & both teams to score
