Match preview

Betis comes into this clash as favorites not just because of their league position, but also for their structural quality. Manuel Pellegrini’s side has picked up 53 points, scored 52 goals, and has looked solid in recent rounds: two wins, two draws, and one defeat in their last five matches across all competitions show they’re in good rhythm. Their 2-2 draw with Real Sociedad proved that their attack is firing on all cylinders.

The main task for Betis is to avoid letting this game descend into a chaotic end-to-end shootout. At home, they typically play with patience: building through possession, using wide overloads, and intricate passing between the lines, where Pellegrini’s technical players exploit space for the final ball. However, transitions remain an issue - Betis sometimes concedes too easily when play breaks down, so a goal from the visitors is a live possibility.

Elche arrives in Seville with a more modest league position but in decent form. Three wins, a draw, and one defeat in their last five matches - this is no longer a team just playing out the season, but one that can punish any lapse in focus. Their latest result, a 1-1 draw with Alaves, perfectly encapsulates their approach: they don’t always dominate, but they know how to seize their moments.

Still, Elche's away record is a concern: just one win on the road amid a string of defeats. Sebastian Beccacece’s side relies on a compact block, quick breaks, and set pieces, but against Betis, they’ll need to withstand long spells without the ball. If they can't handle the pressure in midfield, the hosts will quickly start to exploit the spaces behind Elche’s lines.

Prediction

Betis look like the more complete side: higher quality, better home record, and a clearer tactical plan. Pellegrini will likely focus on controlling the tempo and applying gradual pressure, because against Elche, it’s crucial not to let the visitors sense that the game could get nervy. Elche have goals in them - they’ve been productive lately and are in a decent spell - but keeping Betis quiet at home for 90 minutes will be a massive challenge.

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