The La Liga Matchday 1 clash between Elche and Betis will take place on August 18 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Elche vs. Betis: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Elche
After two years, the club has managed to return to the top division of Spanish football. Last season, Eder Sarabia's side finished second, only behind Levante. The team was noted for having the best defense in the Segunda, conceding just 34 goals. Elche also had the second-best home record, suffering only 3 defeats in 21 matches (15 wins and 3 draws). Ahead of the new season, the club played 8 friendly matches, achieving 4 wins and 4 losses.
During the summer, the club lost midfielders Nicolas Mercau and Nicolas Castro. They welcomed midfielders Martin Netu and Federico Redondo, along with forward Alvaro Rodriguez.
- The club enters the new season with a 5-match unbeaten streak in La Liga (2 wins and 3 draws).
- No more than two goals were scored in Elche's last five La Liga games.
- The team is unbeaten in their last 4 home matches in La Liga (2 wins and 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Elche (3-5-2)
Matias Dituro – John Donald, David Affengruber, Pedro Bigas – Aleix Febas, German Valera, Rodrigo Mendoza, Alvaro Nunez – Murad Daoudi, Rafa Nunez.
Due to injuries, forward Yago Santiago and defender Bambo Diaby are unavailable.
Betis
Manuel Pellegrini has been managing this team for five years. Under his leadership, the Seville club consistently finishes between 5th and 7th in the league standings. Last season, the club secured 6th place, earning a spot in the Europa League. However, Betis ended the season with a 4-match winless streak (3 draws and 1 loss). Before the start of La Liga, the club played 6 friendly matches, winning 2, drawing 1, and losing 3.
During the summer, the team bid farewell to forwards Borja Iglesias and Jesus Rodriguez, goalkeeper Rui Silva, defender Romain Perraud, and midfielder Jonny Cardoso. Forward Antony Mateus returned to Manchester United. The club acquired forward Rodrigo Riquelme, midfielder Nelson Deossa, and defenders Valentin Gomez, Nathan, and Junior Firpo.
- The Seville club has not lost in 13 of their last 15 La Liga matches (9 wins and 4 draws).
- Both teams scored in Betis's last 11 La Liga matches.
- At least 3 goals were scored in 7 of Betis's last 8 away games in the league.
Predicted lineup for Betis (4-4-2)
Pau Lopez – Nathan, Aitor Ruibal, Ricardo Rodriguez, Nobel Mendy – Nelson Deossa, Pablo Fornals, Sergi Altimira, Iker Loasada – Cedric Bakambu, Cucho Hernandez.
Captain Isco is out long-term due to injury. Also sidelined are forward Abde Ezzalzuli, defender Diego Llorente, and midfielders Marc Roca and Giovani Lo Celso.
Elche vs. Betis: Match Prediction
It will be challenging for the Seville club to replicate the impressive performances they displayed in the second half of last season. Several key players have departed, and the team's leader, Isco, is injured again. Manuel Pellegrini's side is likely to drop points even against newcomers, though they are unlikely to stop scoring. Betis enters this match with a 9-match away scoring streak in La Liga.
The hosts are also expected to delight their fans with a strong performance. Elche scored in their last 16 home matches in the Segunda. I believe a bet on both teams to score is optimal for this match. Such a bet has won in Betis's last 11 La Liga matches. Furthermore, the last meeting between these opponents at this stadium ended 3-2 in favor of the Seville club.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
