Form and Line-up of Real Betis
Real Betis Balompie are unbeaten in six league matches in a row, although the home team clearly suffer from a "draw syndrome" – four of those games ended with the points shared. In the last round the hosts let victory slip away against Real Sociedad (2:2), conceding a penalty in the 91st minute. Pressure on the hosts is growing, as Celta Vigo continue the chase, having cut the gap to four points. However, at home the hosts are excellent: only 3 defeats in 17 league fixtures and a nine-match unbeaten run.
Key numbers Real Betis:
Real Betis Balompie have scored 53 goals this season – the fifth-best record in La Liga.
Five of the last six home league matches ended in draws.
The hosts have conceded fewer than two goals in 10 of their previous 12 home games.
Probable line-up (4-3-3): Alvaro Valles – Hector Bellerin, Diego Llorente, Valentin Gomez, Ricardo Rodriguez – Marc Roca, Pablo Fornals, Serji Altimira – Antony, Cucho Hernandez, Abde Ezzalzouli.
Absentees: Marc Bartra, Angel Ortiz (both injured), Aitor Ruibal (suspended), Nathan (doubtful).
Form and Line-up of Elche
Elche under Eder Sarabia have produced a powerful surge, collecting 10 points from the last 5 rounds, which has allowed them to leave the relegation zone for the moment. However, this success is based exclusively on home results. Away from home the visitors remain the worst team in the top flight: only one win all season on their travels. The defence on the road looks catastrophic – 35 goals conceded in 17 away games.
Key numbers Elche:
Elche have conceded 54 goals this season (fourth-worst record).
Sarabia's team have picked up 69 yellow cards this season (fourth-best record).
In seven of the last eight away matches the visitors were involved in games that went over 2.5 goals.
Probable line-up (3-5-2): Matias Dituro – Victor Chust, David Affengruber, Pedro Bigas – Tete Morente, Marc Aguado, Gonzalo Villar, Aleix Febas, German Valera – Alvaro Rodriguez, Andre Silva.
Absentees: Adam Boayar, Iago Santiago (injuries), Rafa Mir (doubtful).
