This weekend’s La Liga action kicks off with a clash between European-chasing Real Betis and title hopefuls Real Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja.
Madrid have made a perfect start to Jose Mourinho’s second coming and will be confident they can make it four wins from four in Friday’s Seville showdown.
Betis, meanwhile, need to dust themselves off following last week’s 5-2 hammering at relegation candidates Levante. Friday’s hosts may do that to some extent but stopping Mourinho’s focused Madrid could prove difficult.
Real Betis vs. Real Madrid betting picks and predictions
Real Madrid to win and both teams to score (+120)
While they may struggle to keep pace with leaders and favorites Barcelona as the season progresses, there is no denying Real Madrid have made an impressive start to the campaign.
Of course, a team spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior should beat Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Malaga. But that should not take away from the nature in which they dispatched the latter two of those opponents in particular, routing Real Sociedad 4-1 before a 4-0 hammering of Malaga.
The one negative for Mourinho, a manager who prides himself on resilience, will be that Los Blancos have managed only one clean sheet - it seems likely he will be left with that sour taste in his mouth at Betis, even if the primary goal of three points is achieved.
Manuel Pellegrini’s hosts have scored in 13 consecutive games and can grab a consolation, with both teams to score likely to be a winning bet for the fourth straight head-to-head. But it is hard to bet against Madrid given their excellent start to the season, with their plethora of new signings strengthening them significantly.
Jude Bellingham anytime goalscorer (+163)
Mbappe and Vinicius continue to be the star attractions in Madrid, although having a player as good as Jude Bellingham as your third-most potent forward is a very Galacticos methodology.
After a poor season by his standard, Bellingham looked back to his best at the World Cup. The England midfielder scored an impressive six goals over the summer and has carried that form into the new campaign, netting twice in three appearances.
Bellingham also has a goal in two away games against Real Betis and is a nice price to punish a shaky defense which shipped five at a poor Levante last time.
Hector Bellerin to be booked (+300)
Real Betis full-back Hector Bellerin was the hero when these sides last met, with his dramatic 94th-minute strike earning Pellegrini’s men a point in April’s 1-1 draw.
He may have less license to get forwards this time, though, as Vinicius Junior, Mbappe and new signing Marc Cucurella will keep him busy down Madrid’s left flank, making the former Arsenal man a solid selection to pick up a booking.
He was shown a card in Betis’s opener against Real Sociedad and is a good enough price to back once again given the onslaught of attacks he will have to face from the aforementioned trio, as well as tricky winger Yan Diomande should he come off the bench.
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Real Betis vs. Real Madrid odds
Real Betis | +600 |
Tie | +425 |
Real Madrid | -263 |
Real Betis vs. Real Madrid player props
Anytime Goalscorer
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) | -200 |
Cucho Hernandez (Real Betis) | +210 |
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) | +110 |
Endrick (Real Madrid) | +125 |
Yan Diomande (Real Madrid) | +150 |
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) | +163 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
