Real Sociedad vs Real Betis
It’s fourth versus fifth in La Liga this Sunday and that in itself deserves much credit.
For here are two sides extremely well managed by Imanol Alguacil and Manuel Pellegrini – astute bosses who are again keeping their teams them at the right end of the action as they juggle domestic and European exertions.
Could one of them split the leading trio of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid this term? Almost certainly not.
But it is a fine achievement that they are leading the chase from the likes of Villarreal, Sevilla, and Valencia.
Talking Points
Both teams come into this contest on the back of Europa League group stage action on Thursday.
Already qualified Betis faced Ludogorets where a Nabil Fekir goal proved enough, while Sociedad sealed their progress with victory in Cyprus against Omonia Nicosia.
Sides with much bigger squads have struggled to cope with the congested schedule of Thursday-Sunday matches, combining European and domestic duties.
Their achievements in qualifying for Europe are impressive enough, but to become regular participants on that stage can be even trickier. Still, they are giving it a damn good go.
At one stage, it seemed like this weekend’s fixtures could be under threat of industrial action but thankfully that seems not the case and so San Sebastian looks forward to La Liga 2022 highlights.
Only the top two in the league have claimed more victories than Sociedad so far this term.
One player the hosts will be without though is midfielder David Silva, who has been ruled out of action until after the 2022 World Cup due to a thigh injury.
Silva was forced off in last weekend’s defeat away at Real Valladolid and he remained at home when the squad flew to Cyprus for their Europa League clash, a game they won 2-0 with goals from Robert Navarro and Brais Mendez incidentally.
That La Liga will begin a midseason break after the weekend of November 12/13, as players begin to join up with their national teams ahead of flying to Qatar, may help the likes of Silva.
Yet he will still miss three league games – a Copa del Rey first round tie at Cazalegas and a final European game at home to Manchester United.
The Valladolid match was doubly frustrating as Sociedad also missed a chance to strengthen their grip on third place – a match they dominated with 75-per cent possession and 20 shots to nine but only registered two on target, the same as their hosts, which proved their undoing.
The following day, Betis were beaten 2-1 at home by Atletico Madrid and an Antoine Griezmann double with Fekir replying.
Like Sociedad, Betis have their own injury woes.
Centr- back German Pezzella was injured in the lead up to the Ludogorets match and Chilean coach Pellegrini must have been cursing his luck when captain Joaquin had to be taken off before the half hour mark.
Before the end, Guido Rodriguez was also forced off, leading to a debut for academy product Enrique Fernandez.
Betis have now won their group with a game to spare, but Pellegrini will likely be facing Sociedad on Sunday night with depleted resources.
That could just give the home side enough of an advantage against a team which has won just once in their previous five matches in the Spanish top-flight.
History
Last December, Betis romped to a 4-0 win with Alex Moreno (two), Juanmi, and Fekir on target.
They repeated the comprehensive victory by exactly the same scoreline a few months later in the Copa Del Rey – a trophy they memorably went onto win –when it was Juanmi who netted a double, added to by a Willian Jose penalty and an Aitor Ruibal goal.
Sociedad finally managed to keep them out in a goalless draw in the league last Easter.
Overall, they have met 25 times in La Liga with 11 wins apiece and three draws.
Betting Tip
Considering this is a meeting of fourth versus fifth, the SBOTOP La Liga 2022 betting odds are not too close.
Sociedad are clear favourites both 1X2 @ 2.06, Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.03, and -0.75 @ 2.33.
Betis can be backed 1X2 @ 3.45 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.25.
A draw is available @ 3.30 and another 4-0 Betis romp a quite staggering @ 225.00 with Correct Score.
I think Sociedad will edge this, but I expect a much closer encounter than two of their three meetings last term.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
