Real Betis are still defying the odds and could qualify for the Champions League for just the second time. However, Manuel Pellegrini’s team needs to stop a three-match La Liga winless streak on Tuesday night against 18th-place Alaves.
Alaves go into the midweek match at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on the back of six straight matches without a win. Jose Luis Mendilibar took over the reins of the club in December and has slightly steered it closer to relegation survival.
💚💚💚💚Esta es la afición del #RealBetis.#ForeverGreen pic.twitter.com/qtHrZHqnyn— Real Betis Balompié 🌴💚 (@RealBetis) January 16, 2022
💚💚💚💚Esta es la afición del #RealBetis.#ForeverGreen pic.twitter.com/qtHrZHqnyn
Deportivo drew three of their last five games, including back-to-back La Liga fixtures. Alaves are just one point away from relegation safety and a win would take them out of the bottom three.
The reverse fixture between the La Liga rivals saw Real Betis claim a 1-0 away win. Borja Iglesias’ goal in the final minute of the match led Los Verdiblancos to the victory. Real Betis have won three straight games between these teams in La Liga.
Real Betis have taken 17 points from 30 points possible at home this season. Four of their last six home fixtures ended as wins. Los Verdiblancos are +7 in goals at the Benito Villamarin.
Alaves are on a three-match losing streak on the road. They have taken just five points from 27 on their travels in 2021-22. They are –9 in goals away from home.
Mendilibar has four names on the Alaves injured list going into the midweek match. Forward John Guidetti and Saul Garcia tested positive for COVID-19 and are both unlikely to be back for the game.
Midfielder Pons Riera Pere is ruled out of the game with ligament damage. Ximo Navarro is a long-term absentee due to an ACL injury. Adding to Mendilibar’s problems is the suspension of Florian Lejeune. He will miss the trip to Seville to play Real Betis.
Pellegrini will be without Alex Moreno due to a suspension. Forward Willian Jose is a doubt due to a calf injury. Defender Martin Montoya is ruled out until next month with a heel issue.
Real Betis have an excellent head-to-head record against Alaves. Over the course of the teams’ last 10 matches, Betis have posted a record of 5W-3D-2L in all competitions.
Los Verdiblancos are coming off of a massive Copa del Rey win at the weekend over derby rival Sevilla. Confidence will be high and Real Betis should claim a second win of the campaign in La Liga versus Alaves. Real Betis should win to nil for a second time versus Alaves in 2021-22.