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Kick off: Saturday, 7.11.2015. @22:05
Venue: Estadio la Rosaleda
Head to head record
Real Betis vs Malaga 1-2 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Malaga vs Real Betis 3-2 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Real Betis vs Malaga 3-0 (2012/2013 La Liga)
Malaga vs Real Betis 4-0 (2012/2013 La Liga)
Malaga vs Real Betis 0-2 (2011/2012 La Liga)
Malaga vs Real Betis prediction
Malaga will be looking to escape the danger zone with a win over Real Betis, who are just five points clear of bottom three in La Liga standings. A close encounter is on the cards and it remains to be seen who will have a reason for celebration on Saturday evening.
Home soil – big advantage
Malaga have been playing below expectations in the 2015/2021 Primera Division campaign. The Andalusian side sit in 17th place ahead of match day 11 and they head into Saturday’s match against Real Betis following a 1-0 loss to newcomers Sporting Gijon. Los Boquerones, though, produce much better displays at their Estadio la Rosaleda and it has to be noted that they are eyeing their third consecutive win at home ground. Javi Gracia is still in charge of the team, but the Spanish tactician is under big pressure ahead of the Real Betis game. Malaga are desperate to pick up all three points from Saturday’s relegation six-pointer and, no doubt, the hosts will go all guns blazing at los Beticos. Seeing that Nordin Amrabat remains on the sidelines, a man to watch in the home team will be former Almeria attacker Charles, who has netted three goals this term.
The likes of Angeleri and Tissone both return to contention, but Amrabat, Santa Cruz and Ferreira remain in the treatment room. Youngster Mastour is available for selection.
Three-game winless run
Real Betis did not spend too much time in Spanish Segunda Division. The Andalusian side secured a quick return to the top flight, but it remains to be seen if they are capable of securing the elite division survival. Los Beticos have been having their ups and downs this season. Following back-to-back wins over the likes of Sporting Gijon and Rayo Vallecano Pepe Mel’s men suffered a dip in form. Real Betis are on a three-game winless run in the national championship and you should have in mind that they were totally outplayed by Athletic Bilbao at their Estadio Benito Villamarin at the weekend (1-3). Unlike previous seasons, the Andalusians have been producing very good performances on the road and they will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches when they take on Malaga at Estadio la Rosaleda on Saturday evening.
Alfred N’Diaye has joined the likes of Rennella, Westermann and Matilla in the recovery room. Rafael van der Vaart is widely expected to return to the starting line-up. Top scorer Ruben Castro is likely to lead the line for the visitors against Malaga.
Malaga vs Real Betis betting tip
When Malaga and Real Betis take on each other in Spanish la Liga a high-scoring affair is guaranteed. In previous four meetings between the two teams in the national championship no less than 15 goals in total have been netted. However, seeing that the visitors have been out of form of late, I would not be surprised if they failed to score in the Estadio la Rosaleda clash. Important first-team regulars Tissone and Angeleri return for the hosts and given Malaga’s fine record at home ground, I am tempted to put my money on los Boquerones this time out.
Tip: Home win
Odds: 1.95 (19/20) @Unibet
