Two teams expected to compete for European qualification meet in Friday’s sole La Liga fixture. Real Betis are hoping for a positive start at La Cartuja against Real Sociedad.

Real Betis hit by fitness issues ahead of season opener

After missing most of last season, Isco is back for Real Betis, and he’ll have a key role to play if he stays fit. The veteran playmaker excelled with nine goals and eight assists during La Liga 2024/25. He’s ready for a starting place on Friday night.

The hosts have a number of current injury concerns. Aitor Ruibal and Diego Conde are both confirmed absentees, while Gonzalo Petit, Ez Abde and Héctor Bellerín are additional doubts.

Summer signing Fran García is sure to feature at left-back, having arrived from Real Madrid. Otherwise, this should be a familiar Betis lineup, with Antony operating off the right flank and Cucho Hernández leading the line.

Real Betis predicted lineup vs Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Vallés; Bellerín, Llorente, Natan, F. García; Roca, Fornals; Antony, Isco, Riquelme; Hernández.

Oyarzabal available as Real Sociedad target a bright start

The big decision for Real Sociedad boss Pellegrino Matarazzo may be regarding picking Mikel Oyarzabal. The forward netted 15 goals in 34 league outings last term, but has only recently returned to training following a successful World Cup with Spain.

Orri Óskarsson is an alternative option in attack, while Carlos Soler is expected to occupy the number 10 role. Gonçalo Guedes is an injury concern, so Take Kubo is set to start on the right flank.

The visitors are also missing Álvaro Odriozola, and midfielder Jon Gorrotxategi is another major fitness doubt. Young defender Luken Beitia is ready to play a bigger role in the first-team set-up this year, but he may have to settle for a place on the bench in Seville.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs Real Betis (4-2-3-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Martín, Gómez; Sučić, Herrera; Kubo, Soler, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal.

Real Betis vs Real Sociedad Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Over 1.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.32 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Real Betis 2-2 Real Sociedad
  • 22Bet Booking Code: ZMUXS

Key stats:

  • 82% of Real Sociedad’s league games last season produced two or more goals.
  • Including friendlies, all of La Real’s last 11 fixtures finished with at least two strikes.
  • There have been 16 goals scored across the past five meetings between these clubs.

Backing Over 1.5 goals using the 22Bet bonus of up to 122 $/€ is a safe pick. That bet has landed in Real Betis’ last 10 competitive matches, and in each of their five recent clashes against this opponent.

Since appointing Matarazzo midway through last season, Real Sociedad have been a more attack-minded team. Their league encounters during the 2025/26 campaign averaged 3.16 goals per 90 minutes. They were the highest scorers outside of the top six.

Real Betis vs Real Sociedad Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Both teams to score
  • Odds: 1.85 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: QEUXS

Both teams to score offers value at odds of 1.85. That bet has been the trend in each of the two meetings between these clubs last term.

Five of Real Sociedad’s last six La Liga fixture have also delivered goals at each end. The Basques have gone eight competitive outings without a clean sheet.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals (1.32) — Real Betis 2-2 Real Sociedad