Real Betis host Real Sociedad in a Spanish La Liga encounter at the Estadio de La Cartuja. Neither team has been at their best this season, but the home side come into this one looking the stronger of the two.
Real Betis are one of only two sides to have already played five league games this season, earning just one win so far. They will head into Friday's clash off the back of a 2-2 draw at Levante in their previous La Liga fixture.
Despite their unconvincing start, the good news for Real Betis is that they have only lost once this season. Their only win so far has come at home, a 1-0 victory over Alaves on matchday two, and manager Manuel Pellegrini will look to use that result as a spark.
Real Sociedad have made an even worse start to the season as they are still seeking their first win after four La Liga matches. Sergio Francisco’s men suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Real Madrid last time out despite playing against 10 men for much of the contest.
That was the second straight defeat for Real Sociedad, who are looking out of sorts at the moment. They also have a poor record on the road and are winless in their last six La Liga away matches, stretching back to last season.
How the bookies view it: Advantage Betis
The bookies have installed Real Betis as the favourites, with a home win priced at Evens with BoyleSports. A victory for Real Sociedad is valued at 12/5 while a draw is set at odds of 9/4.
Head to head: Sociedad with the edge
Real Sociedad have a 16-13 advantage, with 12 draws from 41 previous matches against Real Betis. However, the hosts claimed a 3-0 home victory in the last meeting back in February.
Players to watch: Eyes on Hernandez
Cucho Hernandez started the comeback last time out against Levante and could be worth keeping an eye on for Real Betis. Antony was also impressive in that clash, and both men could ensure the hosts score over 0.5 goals – priced at 2/9 with BoyleSports.
Mikel Oyarzabal got off the mark for the season with a goal against Real Madrid and will be the one to watch for Real Sociedad. Takefusa Kubo is also a goal threat, and both men can produce over 0.5 goals for the visitors (Real Sociedad over 0.5 goals – valued at 2/5).
Probable line-ups:
Betis will be without a number of players, with the likes of Isco, Aitor Ruibal, and Ricardo Rodriguez all out injured. Hector Bellerin and Junior Firpo should continue in defence, while Antony, Rodrigo Riquelme and Hernandez are set to lead the attack.
For Sociedad, BraisMendes could be available for this one after missing their last game with a broken nose, while Orri Oskarsson remains out with a thigh injury. Alex Remiro should start in goal, with Igor Zubeldia, Ander Barrenetxea, Goncalo Guedes and Oyarzabal all expected to feature.
Real Betis: Valles, Bellerin, Natan, Gomez, Firpo, Fornals, Altimira, Antony, Deossa, Riquelme, Hernandez
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Caleta-Car, Zubeldia, Gomez, Gorrotxategi, Marin, Goti, Barrenetxea, Guedes, Oyarzabal
Anything else catch the eye?
Real Sociedad have conceded first in their four matches, while Real Betis have opened the scoring three times (Real Betis to score first – priced at 3/4). The hosts have won the first half in three of their five matches (Real Betis halftime win – available at 7/4 with BoyleSports).
Both teams have scored in three of Real Sociedad’s four La Liga matches (BTTS YES – offered at odds of 3/4).
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