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December 10 2024, 19:16 · Alex Lawes
Updated: December 13 2024, 11:44

Villarreal vs Real Betis Preview: Team News & Prediction

Villarreal vs Real Betis Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Marcelino has massively improved Villarreal in this campaign and they are also entertaining to watch with the Yellow Submarine now facing a still strong Real Betis side at El Madrigal.

Kick-off date/time: Sunday 15th December, 2024: UK – 5:30pm / US ET – 12:30pm / US PT – 9:30am

How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Villarreal vs Real Betis may be televised on one of their affiliated channels

How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+

Villarreal Preview: Getting back on track

Former Olympique de Marseille and Valencia boss Marcelino took charge of an underperforming Villarreal side in November 2023 and immediately improved them with the Yellow Submarine now challenging for the top four and the UEFA Champions League spots.

They have been flattered at times this season, though, with three last-gasp winners early on and their form has declined of late as they come into this one on the back of a 2-0 loss to Athletic Club at San Mames last weekend thanks to goals from Aitor Paredes and Inaki Williams. 

Real Betis Preview: Manuel Pellegrini’s consistency

Manuel Pellegrini often comes under pressure at Real Betis due to fears of stagnation but the Andalusians remain a steadily strong sides that repeatedly qualify for Europe and they once again begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting just a few points outside of the top seven.

In their most recent La Liga outing, Betis shared a 2-2 draw with league leading Barcelona last weekend thanks to a 94th minute equaliser at the Benito Villamarin. That, a positive result, does, though, mean that Betis are winless in their last five matches in the league.

Villarreal Team News: Injuries across the pitch

A reason for Villarreal having a dip in form has been down to injury issues with Nicolas Pepe and Ilias Akhomach sidelined alongside goalkeeper Diego Conde with key midfielder Santi Comesana now missing through suspension.

Predicted XI (4-4-2): Luiz Junior; Kiko Femenia, Raul Albiol, Costa, Juan Bernat; Yeremy Pino, Dani Parejo, Gueye, Alex Baena; Moreno, Barry

Unavailable: Conde (Injured), Foyth (Injured), Santi Comesana (Suspended), Ramon Terrats (Injured), Akhomach (Injured), Alfonso Pedraza (Injured), Pepe (Injured)

Questionable: Ramon Terrats (Injured)

Real Betis Team News: Several issues

Former Real Madrid midfielder Isco has been unavailable throughout this campaign but he has now returned to full fitness for this one. They do still have several other injury doubts such as Rui Silva, Hector Bellerin and Pablo Fornals. 

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Sabaly, Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente, Rodriguez; Sergio Altimira, Iker Losada; Chimy Avila, Lo Celso, Abde Ezzalzouli; Vitor Roque

Unavailable: Carvalho (Injured), Marc Roca (Injured), Juanmi (Injured), Mendy (Injured)

Questionable: Silva (Injured), Hector Bellerin (Injured), Perraud (Injured), Johnny Cardoso (Injured), Pablo Fornals (Injured)

Villarreal vs Real Betis Prediction

This one is expected to be an entertaining encounter at El Madrigal. In their 15 matches so far this season, Villarreal have consisted of 52 goals with a lack of control at both ends of the pitch. Real Betis don’t have much by way of the cohesion in defence and attack but do have the Manuel Pellegrini magic of being able to get Betis to create chances with relative ease so a good game for the neutral would appear a good bet for this one.

Villarreal vs Real Betis Tip: Both teams to score