Real Madrid are aiming to start the new year on a positive note when they host Real Betis in a Spanish La Liga clash on Sunday.
The task for Los Blancos will be to crank up the pressure on leaders Barcelona, while the visitors are looking to maintain their recent good form.
After a few stumbles that saw them fall four points behind Barcelona, Real Madrid appear to be picking up their form again. They have won their last three matches across all competitions, claiming a 2-0 home victory over Sevilla last time out in La Liga.
Home form could play a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s title push in the second half of the season. Xabi Alonso's men have done their best work at the Santiago Bernabeu this season, winning seven of their last eight La Liga matches in front of their fans.
Real Betis also have reasons to be pleased with their campaign so far, as they are currently sixth in the table, seven points off the top four. Manuel Pellegrini's men are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches across all competitions and claimed a 4-0 home victory over Getafe in their previous fixture.
While things appear solid for Real Betis, a closer look at their results reveals an unconvincing league form. They have picked up just two victories from their last six La Liga matches and are also winless in three of their last four away fixtures in the league.
How the bookies view it: Los Blancos overwhelming favourites
Real Madrid have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 2/5 by Ladbrokes to claim the win. A victory for Real Betis is valued at 13/2 by bet365, while a draw is set at odds of 4/1 by Paddy Power.
Head to head: Madrid often superior
Real Madrid have a 23-7 advantage with 14 draws in the last 44 matches against Real Betis. The visitors earned a 2-1 home victory in the last meeting back in March, while Los Blancos are unbeaten in the last six clashes.
Players to watch: Vinicius to step up
With Kylian Mbappe ruled out of Sunday’s clash, Vinicius Junior will be tasked with carrying the attacking threat for Real Madrid. The forward has five La Liga Giants and will be the one to watch (Vinicius Junior anytime goalscorer – priced at 19/10 by Ladbrokes).
Cucho Hernandez has also caught the eye this season and will be keen to add to his seven La Liga goals. The striker will be the one to watch for Real Betis (Cucho Hernandez anytime goalscorer – valued at 11/5 by Betfred).
Probable line-ups
Federico Valverde, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all likely to miss Sunday's clash due to injury. Mbappe has a knee problem and could be replaced in attack by Gonzalo Garcia, while Rodrygo could earn an extended run in the team, having impressed lately.
Real Betis remain without Isco, while Diego Llorente and Junior Firpo are also sidelined with injury. Hernandez should lead the line once again, while Marc Bartra is set to continue at the back.
Real Madrid: Courtois, Asencio, Rudiger, Huijsen, Garcia, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Guler, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Garcia.
Real Betis: Valles, Ortiz, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez, Deossa, Roca, Antony, Fornals, Ruibal, Hernandez.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in three of Real Madrid's last four matches (BTTS YES – offered at 8/15 on William Hill). Los Blancos have led at the break in three of their last four La Liga home matches (Real Madrid halftime win – available at 4/5 on Betfred).
Real Madrid have scored in both halves in three of their last four La Liga home matches (Real Madrid to score in both halves – set at odds of 4/5 by William Hill. Given the minimal odds for a straight home victory, a win and both teams to score offers more value (Real Madrid win & BTTS YES – valued at 29/20 by Ladbrokes).
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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