It will be a top-four six-pointer on Tuesday when fifth-placed Real Betis host fourth-placed Real Sociedad at the Benito Villamarin from 20:00 GMT.
Separated by four points, Betis and Sociedad will go one-on-one in this clash that is likely to have top-four ramifications for both sides as they look to get the points they need to make the cut for the all-important Champions League next season.
Key Highlights
Real Betis’ Hopes to Make It into the Top Four
Betis have been inconsistent in recent matches; Manuel Pellegrini and his side have lost three out of their last five matches in La Liga. They have won the other two, picking up six points and dropping nine.
This run has seen a gap of four points open to fourth-place and their opponents on Tuesday, Sociedad. Pellegrini will be looking to get his side in winning form when they clash with Sociedad and cut the gap to just one point with a win at home.
Consistency will be important for Pellegrini’s men in the run-in dash. Every point will count, and every dropped point will be costly.
Winning the clash against their top-four contenders will deal a blow to their opponents while bolstering their chances as matches come thick and fast in the business end.
Real Sociedad’s Top Four Dash
Imanol Alguacil and his men occupy the coveted fourth spot on the La Liga table after 30 matches and with just eight to go to the end of the season.
Sociedad will have to bolster their form, cut out their inconsistencies, and get the points they need to make the cut for next season’s Champions League. The challenges come fast, and Tuesday will see an away clash against their direct rivals for a top-four spot, Betis.
Sociedad have lost twice in their last three matches. They have won just twice in their last five, with two losses and one draw in this run. Alguacil will need to get his side in consistent form in the run-in to bolster their chances.
Another loss might be punished by the chasing pack, including their Tuesday opponents Real Betis, but also comprising of Villarreal and Athletic Club, who are five and six points behind, respectively.
Injury Report
Real Betis
Manuel Pellegrini has just one player out injured.
Attacking midfielder, Nabil Fekir is missing from first-team duties with a cruciate ligament rupture.
The 29-year-old midfielder has been sidelined since February 27, 2023. He has missed 17 matches for Betis since he has been out. The medical team indicates that he will return to full fitness by September 17, 2023.
Betis also have Sergio Canales and Martin Montoya suspended.
Real Sociedad
Alguacil will be without two first-team players in the clash against Betis on Tuesday.
Center forward Umar Sadiq is sidelined with a ruptured cruciate ligament. The 26-year-old has been on the sidelines since September 12, 2022, and has missed 37 matches for Sociedad since.
Left winger Martin Merquelanz is out with a knee injury. He has been out since September 11, 2021.
Possible Lineups
Real Betis
R. Silva; J. Miranda, E. Gonzalez, L. Felipe, M. Montoya; A. Guardado, G. Rodriguez; A. Perez, W. Carvalho, L. H; B. Iglesias
Real Sociedad
Alex Remiro; A. Elustondo, I. Zubeldia, J. Pacheco, A. Munoz; M. Zubimendi; D. Silva, M. Merino, A. Barrenetxea; M. Oyarzabal, A. Sorloth
Prediction
Betis will start quickly in the match and look to play on the front foot and put Sociedad on the back foot. They will dominate the ball and press higher up the pitch.
Sociedad will absorb the pressure and start getting into the game with patient passing and quick vertical attacks using wide areas to stretch the play.
Real Betis will win the match and bolster their top-four chances.
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