Real Betis vs. Real Sociedad Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 16 February 2025 - bettingexpert
We have an intriguing La Liga clash on our hands this Saturday as Real Betis host Real Sociedad at the Estadio Benito Villamarin. With both teams in the upper half of the table – Betis sitting 11th with 29 points and Sociedad in 7th with 31 points – this match could significantly impact their aspirations for European football.
Real Betis come into this match on the back of a morale-boosting 3-0 victory against Gent in the Conference League. However, their domestic form has been inconsistent, with a recent record of WLDWL. Antony, a recent loan from Manchester United, has been a standout player, providing dynamism in Betis’ attack. Despite home-field advantage and being the bookmakers’ favorite with odds of 2.44, Betis’ injury woes, including key players like William Carvalho and Hector Bellerin, could hamper their performance.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, have been relatively solid, registering WWWLW in their last five matches. The team boasts the third-best defense in La Liga, conceding just 0.9 goals per game on average. Though their attack has not been as prolific, averaging 1.2 goals per game, Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Méndez are key players to watch. Despite struggling in recent European matches and sporting a few injuries, Sociedad have been tough opponents.
The match is expected to be tight, reflected in the recommended bet for a draw at odds of 3.25. Both teams are evenly matched and, with goals potentially at a premium, a low-scoring draw could be on the cards.
Referee Jesus Gil, with an average of 0.4 red cards in matches he officiates, is expected to keep a firm handle on proceedings. All eyes will be on this evenly poised contest as both teams vie for crucial points in their bid for European qualification.
Real Betis vs Real Sociedad Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the balanced nature of this La Liga clash at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, a draw seems like the most sensible bet. Both teams have been performing at a similar level, and the bookmakers’ odds reflect the potential for a tightly contested match.
| Real Betis vs Real Sociedad Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Draw | 3.25 |
- Both teams are closely ranked in the standings, with Real Betis in 11th place and Real Sociedad in 7th, and only 2 points separating them.
- Real Betis and Real Sociedad have shown similar forms lately, each with 2 clean sheets in the last 5 games and an average of 1.80 goals scored per game.
- Previous encounters suggest a tight match, with similar outcomes expected (e.g., 0-0, 1-1). Recent history also points towards a low-scoring draw.
Real Betis vs Real Sociedad Odds
Here’s a snapshot of the odds for the upcoming La Liga clash between Real Betis and Real Sociedad.
| Real Betis vs Real Sociedad Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Real Betis | 2.44 |
| Draw | 3.06 |
| Real Sociedad | 3.10 |
These odds suggest that Real Betis are slight favourites to come out on top in this match. However, given the tight standings and similar recent form of both teams—Betis in 11th and Sociedad in 7th—a draw appears to be a very compelling option.
Real Sociedad’s robust defence and Real Betis’ home advantage should lead to a highly competitive encounter. Keep an eye on key players such as Antony for Betis and Mikel Oyarzabal for Sociedad, who could tip the balance.
Betting on a draw at 3.06 offers good value given the evenly matched nature of these teams.
Real Betis Team Analysis
Real Betis Recent Performance
Here’s a glance at Real Betis’ recent form:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Gent | Real Betis | 0-3 (Win) |
| Celta Vigo | Real Betis | 3-2 (Loss) |
| Real Betis | Athletic Club | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Mallorca | Real Betis | 0-1 (Win) |
| Real Betis | Deportivo Alaves | 1-3 (Loss) |
Real Betis have been a bit inconsistent lately with a record of two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches.
Their attacking prowess is decent, with an average of 1.8 goals scored per game over the last five matches. Defensively, Betis managed two clean sheets, yet conceded an average of 1.4 goals across 23 matches this season.
Recent performances show that their offensive efforts are promising, especially with forward Antony in form, while defensively, they might need to tighten up.
Real Betis Key Players
Real Betis has several key players who can make a difference on the pitch, with Antony standing out recently. He has provided an assist and scored a goal in his last two matches. Giovani Lo Celso remains the top scorer for Betis with seven goals.
Expected lineup for Real Betis:
- Goalkeeper: Adrian
- Defenders: Ángel Ortiz, Diego Llorente, Marc Bartra, Ricardo Rodriguez
- Midfielders: Johnny, Sergi Altimira, Isco
- Forwards: Antony Matheus dos Santos, Jesús Rodriguez, Vitor Roque
Key battles to watch include: - Antony vs Jon Aramburu
- Lo Celso vs Martín Zubimendi
- Isco vs Luka Sucic
These matchups could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.
Real Betis Suspensions & Injuries
Real Betis faces several challenges with injuries and one key suspension, which may impact their performance against Real Sociedad.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| William Carvalho | Cruciate ligament injury | Late April 2025 |
| Hector Bellerin | Contusion | Late February 2025 |
| Nobel Mendy | Knee injury | Late February 2025 |
| Aitor Ruibal García | Ankle injury | Late February 2025 |
| Pablo Fornals | Muscle injury | Late February 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
| ————– | ———————– | —————– |
| Romain Perraud | Yellow cards (1 match) | Next match |
The absence of key players due to injuries and the suspension of Romain Perraud could disrupt Betis’ defensive stability and overall team coherence. The team will need to rely on their depth and tactical adjustments to compensate.
Real Betis Tactics and Formation
Real Betis Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Attacking Players: Antony Matheus dos Santos and Isco
- Midfield Duo: Johnny and Sergi Altimira providing defensive cover
- Defensive Line: Angel Ortiz, Diego Llorente, Marc Bartra, and Ricardo Rodriguez
Manuel Pellegrini often sets up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing a balanced style of play with attacking threats on the wings. The absence of Romain Perraud due to suspension means Marc Bartra will be pivotal in maintaining defensive solidity. Recent performances indicate strong finishes, but they must address their inconsistency for a better result against Real Sociedad. Betis will rely heavily on Antony’s flair and Isco’s creativity to break down a disciplined Sociedad defense.
Real Sociedad Team Analysis
Recent Performance
Real Sociedad has shown impressive form recently, securing four wins in their last five matches. This includes a notable 2-1 victory over Espanyol and a 2-0 win against PAOK Thessaloniki FC. They average 1.80 goals scored per game in their last five matches and have kept two clean sheets. This suggests strong offensive and defensive capabilities.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| FC Midtjylland | Real Sociedad | 1-2 (Win) |
| Real Sociedad | Espanyol | 2-1 (Win) |
| Real Sociedad | Osasuna | 2-0 (Win) |
| Osasuna | Real Sociedad | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Real Sociedad | PAOK Thessaloniki FC | 2-0 (Win) |
Imanol Alguacil’s team will aim to continue their good run, relying on key players like Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Méndez to maintain their momentum. The absence of key players due to injuries will be a challenge, but their recent performances suggest they have the depth to cope.
Real Sociedad Key Players
Real Sociedad will rely heavily on their key players to make an impact against Real Betis. Mikel Oyarzabal, the team’s top scorer with four goals this season, is crucial to their attacking strategy. Brais Méndez, who also lines up in attack, will look to provide creativity and support.
Key individual battles to watch include Oyarzabal against Marc Bartra, a contest that could tip the balance of the game.
Expected lineup for Real Sociedad:
- Goalkeeper: Alex Remiro
- Defenders: Jon Aramburu, Aritz Elustondo, Nayef Aguerd, Javier López Carballo
- Midfielders: Beñat Turrientes, Martín Zubimendi, Luka Sucic, Sergio Gomez
- Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal, Brais Méndez
Real Sociedad Suspensions & Injuries
Real Sociedad faces several key absences due to injuries, which could impact their performance against Real Betis.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Hamari Traore | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Igor Zubeldia | Knee injury | Doubtful |
| Aihen Muñoz | Muscle injury | Late February 2025 |
| Ander Barrenetxea | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Takefusa Kubo | Concussion | Doubtful |
| Jon Pacheco | Muscle injury | Late February 2025 |
The absence of Hamari Traore for the entire season significantly weakens Real Sociedad’s defensive options. Potential doubts over Igor Zubeldia, Ander Barrenetxea, and Takefusa Kubo add further unpredictability to their lineup.
These injuries may force Imanol Alguacil to make tactical adjustments and rely on squad depth to navigate this challenging fixture against Real Betis.
Real Sociedad Tactics and Formation
Real Sociedad’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forward: Mikel Oyarzabal
- Midfield Quartet: Beñat Turrientes, Martín Zubimendi, Luka Sucic, Sergio Gomez
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Effective pressing and quick transitions from midfield to attack
Real Sociedad’s formation of 4-4-2 provides a balanced approach, allowing them to be versatile both in defense and attack. Mikel Oyarzabal, their top scorer, leads the forward line and is crucial for converting opportunities.
The midfield, comprising Turrientes, Zubimendi, Sucic, and Gomez, is instrumental in maintaining possession and facilitating swift counter-attacks. Despite injury challenges, their defensive record shows resilience, with two clean sheets in recent matches.
Look out for their strategy of pressing high and transitioning quickly, particularly during the crucial 31-45 minute interval where their opponents have shown vulnerability. This tactical approach could be vital in their fixture against Real Betis.
Real Betis vs Real Sociedad Head-to-Head Statistics
The recent meetings between Real Betis and Real Sociedad highlight some intriguing patterns. Let’s delve into the last five face-offs between these two teams.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad | Real Betis | 2-0 |
| Real Betis | Real Sociedad | 0-2 |
| Real Sociedad | Real Betis | 0-0 |
| Real Betis | Real Sociedad | 0-1 |
| Real Betis | Real Sociedad | 0-0 |
In the past five encounters, Real Betis has struggled to secure a win against Real Sociedad, with three losses and two draws. This record indicates that Real Sociedad has had the upper hand, especially in away games. These statistics and trends will certainly add an intriguing layer to the upcoming clash.
Odds accurate as of 02/14/2025 8:01 PM, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
