La Liga: Unlikely Lads Flying High

Real Betis vs Real Sociedad

When studying the La Liga table, I got a very welcome surprise as I realised this is a meeting between the sides placed third and fifth.

I knew Real Sociedad were faring well.

Indeed, under Imanol Alguacil they have improved in recent years with seventh and fifth place finishes over the last two seasons – their highest since fourth position in 2013 secured qualification for the Champions League.

Real Betis, however, have not finished in the top four since 2005.

Yet with a manager with a winning pedigree in Manuel Pellegrini, could that be about to change?

Talking Points

Certainly like Alguacil, the Chilean has made his mark during his 18 months at the helm. He guided Betis to sixth spot last term and is now flying even higher.

Despite a miserable time at West Ham, it should not be forgotten that Pellegrini won the 2014 Premier League title and two League Cups during his three years in England with Manchester City.

And he has just guided Betis to five straight wins in the Spanish top-flight, most notably a 1-0 success at Barcelona last weekend.

The scorer in that match was Juanmi with his 11th goal in 16 games across all competitions, with the Betis forward being La Liga’s top Spanish scorer so far this term with nine goals.

As well as enjoying some La Liga 2021 highlights, Betis have also made it to the last-32 of the Europa League.

Besides attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir, sidelined through suspension, Pellegrini will have a full squad from which to choose from this weekend.

Overall, a 3-0 defeat to reigning champions Atletico Madrid and a 2-0 reverse at Sevilla this season suggest they are not ready to mount a title challenge but a top four finish may be possible.

Likewise, Sociedad are looking like contenders to be possible bridesmaids rather than a bride and were well-beaten at home by league leaders Real Madrid last weekend.

Granted, that was their first home defeat of the campaign and their first since last April, and Real Madrid’s two goals also doubled the tally they had conceded at home since the August kick-off.

With Sociedad missing Mikel Merino (hamstring) and David Silva in the middle and their speedy in-form centre-back Aritz Elustondo (suspended), they will hope at least one of those players is back this weekend.

Silva – reunited with Pellegrini with whom he enjoyed so much success at City – will still be unavailable with a muscle injury sustained last month. 

Jon Guridi (muscle), Asier Illarramendi (muscle), Nacho Monreal (knee injury), and Carlos Fernandez (ruptured cruciate ligament) all remain out.

I have not followed Sociedad too closely since New Year’s Eve last year when they won the Basque derby against Athletic Bilbao.

Another win in this one and they could be well-placed going into another festive period.

History

They last met in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey last season. On that occasion, Mikel Oyarzabal gave Sociedad a 13^th-minute lead before a 48^th-minute dismissal for teammate Illarramendi.

Betis were also reduced to 10 men when Antonio Sanabria was sent-off.

Sergio Canales forced extra-time where a double from Borja Iglesias fired Betis to a 3-1 success.

Sociedad won this league fixture last term though when Portu, Oyarzabal (penalty), and former Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj netted in a 3-0 win.

That was one of just two Sociedad victories in Betis in their last eight meetings.

Betis have not completed a league double over Sociedad since 2003-04.

Betting Tip

	Real Betis vs Real Sociedad	1X2 Draw @ 3.20
	December 13, 1:30 (GMT+8)

Betis have the edge with the SBOTOP La Liga 2021 betting odds, although it should be noted Sociedad’s away form – three wins, two draws, and a single defeat during their last six matches away from home – is pretty good and they can be solid and hard to beat on the road.

The visitors can be backed 1X2 @ 3.10 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.25.

Betis are on offer 1X2 @ 2.31 and Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.31.

Sociedad are the lowest scorers in the top eight but have the second best defencive record in the league behind Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla.

For goals then, total goal 0-1 @ 2.98 worth considering.

Among the other options are total goal 2-3 @ 1.98, 4-6 @ 3.95, and over 2.75 goals @ 2.42. A repeat of the corresponding fixture last term – correct score 0-3 – will pay out @ 60.00.

I can’t see them happening again but I can see honours even for this contest.

 

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