Real Betis vs Elche Predictions & Match Preview

Real Betis vs Elche predictions and match preview for Monday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as matchday one concludes in Seville.

Real Betis vs Elche Preview

The final game of matchday one in LaLiga 2022/23 comes from the Benito Villamarin where Real Betis are targeting a winning start against Elche. The visitors would certainly be content with a point as they begin their third straight top flight campaign, their longest sequence at this level since the 1970’s.

Betis are one of the more settled sides in LaLiga with no major changes in the summer. The only significant departure is that of Hector Bellerin who was on loan at the club last term. The right-back has been keen on a return on a permanent deal, although Betis have struggled to finance a move and their inability to register their summer signings yet (at time of writing) suggests it may not happen.

That creates a few issues at right back, especially with Youssouf Sabaly currently injured, but otherwise it will be a familiar looking Betis XI that takes to the field here. They are dangerous going forwards with Nabil Fekir pulling the strings while Juanmi and Borja Iglesias will be hoping to build on strong seasons in front of goal. The top six will certainly be the target again and Betis may even fancy their chances of breaking into the Champions League places if city rivals Sevilla experience the drop-off many are expecting.

Elche won’t have such lofty dreams but they’ll back themselves to beat the drop again. Francisco has gone under the radar a little bit but he did an exceptionally good job last season after taking over from Fran Escriba. He has built a team ethos and situation where no player is guaranteed a starting role with only two Elche players making 30+ league starts last term.

One concern for Francisco though is the fitness problems that Lucas Boye is experiencing. He was a major part of their success last term but is still experiencing the same injury issues that kept him out at the back-end of last season with talk he may need surgery to resolve them. The addition of Roger Marti from Levante does give Elche a fresh attacking option though and he does have a proven record of scoring goals at this level.

Team News & Possible Lineups

Real Betis

Possible XI: Silva – Moreno, Bartra, Pezzella, Ruibal – Guido Rodriguez, Carvalho – Juanmi, Fekir, Rodri – Iglesias (4-2-3-1)

Coach: Manuel Pellegrini

Fantasy Star: Nabil Fekir

Elche

Possible XI: Badia – Mojica, Diego Gonzalez, Roco, Palacios – Fidel, Gumbau, Mascarell, Milla – Ponce, Marti (4-4-2)

Coach: Francisco

Fantasy Star: Roger Marti

Score Prediction: Betis 2-1 Elche

Betis look capable of putting three points on the board to start the new season here. They are a settled team that has impressed over a long period now under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini and overall there is a pretty significant gulf in quality between them and their opponents here which should be telling over the course of the 90 minutes.

PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.