Almeria vs Real Betis Predictions & Match Preview

Almeria vs Real Betis predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups ahead of this Andalusian derby.

Almeria vs Real Betis Preview

We have an Andalusian derby in LaLiga this weekend as Almeria host Real Betis. Both sides have had poor starts to February with a combined three losses and will be looking to grab some points here.

Almeria head into this match in fourteenth place, a reasonable position for a newly promoted team albeit only three points above the relegation zone given the competitiveness at the lower end of the table. Rubi has their supporters to thank for much of their form this season, with 19 of their 22 points coming at home including all of their six victories. Their point against Atletico Madrid as well as their competitiveness against Real Madrid earlier in the season showed that Almeria are more than capable of challenging the bigger sides on their own turf. 

Last time out, Almeria took part in a Monday night fixture away at Rayo Vallecano. Rubi’s side were competitive in this match however two second half goals allowed the home side to take all three points.

Betis head into this fixture four points off of a Champions League spot and in seventh place in the table. Los Verdiblancos started the season as strong candidates to achieve a top four place but their form has been shaky since the World Cup, only winning two of their six league fixtures whilst being knocked out of the Copa Del Rey and the Supercopa within the same time period.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men may not be in their best moment but given the small gap in points between themselves and the other top four candidates as well as the quality their squad possesses, a turnaround seems inevitable and winning at a side with such a strong home record would be a huge boost for the outfit from Sevilla. 

Last time out Betis hosted Celta in what turned out to be one of the games of the season as the visitors came out on top 4-3 winners. Los Verdiblancos went ahead on the 23rd minute through Sergio Canales however their defence capitulated, conceding three goals in under thirty minutes as a late Nabil Fekir penalty was not enough for Betis to grab anything from the game.

Team News & Possible Lineups

Almeria

Possible XI: Fernando – Akieme, Ely, Babic, Pozo – De La Hoz, Samu – Embarba, Melero, Lazaro – Luis Suarez (4-2-3-1)

Coach: Rubi

Real Betis

Possible XI: Silva – Abner, Pezzella, Edgar, Ruibal – Guido, Guardado – Juanmi, Canales, Henrique – Iglesias (4-2-3-1)

Coach: Manuel Pellegrini

Score Prediction: Almeria 2-1 Betis

Both sides have not hit top form since the season restart, however Almeria’s incredible home record and Betis’ recent shipment of goals means the underdog could emerge on top here. Whoever comes out victorious, this match should be a fantastic watch and goals should be expected.

PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga previews and 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.