Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the La Liga match.
After a superb campaign in which Real Betis secured a top-six finish in La Liga and reached a European final, expectations remain high in Seville. Their opening 1:1 draw with Elche was not the result Real Betis were aiming for, which makes three points against Alavés the clear target.
Real Betis
Against the newly promoted side, Real Betis were far more dangerous in transition and created the better chances (1.60-0.98 in xG). The equaliser came late on, after key players had been withdrawn, but overall it was no disaster: the team showed they can compete even without the injured Isco Alarcon Suarez and Marc Roca. New signing Rodrigo Riquelme slotted in seamlessly, registering an assist for Aitor Ruibal.
Alavés
Alavés, meanwhile, began their season with a narrow 2:1 home win over fellow promoted side Levante. The scoreline flattered them somewhat — after the break the visitors looked sharper in possession (0.77-0.74 in xG). Eduardo Coudet has kept much of last year’s squad intact, with only a handful of fringe additions. Among them, the intriguing figure of Mariano Díaz, who had been without a club for a year.
Real Betis vs Alavés Prediction
On paper, Real Betis boast far greater depth and quality across the pitch. Alavés, by contrast, managed just 18 points from 19 away games last season, and travelling to Seville is a far tougher test than Levante at home. With the superior squad, home advantage and attacking options, Real Betis are strongly fancied to get their first win of the new campaign.
