Valladolid vs Real Betis

23/12- It is the second classic bottom of the table tie this week as Valladolid play hosts to Real Betis. Both the teams are locked on 17 points but Real Betis find themselves in the relegation zone just on the basis of the goal difference. Valladolid’s home record has been very poor and on the other hand Betis have a comparative weak away record to show for their efforts. There is not much to choose between both the sides except for their performances in the past few weeks. While Valladolid drew their last match against Sevilla at home, Betis came up with a spirited performance to beat Almeria 3-1 and hence were able to achieve their second victory in as many weeks. Real Betis have shown great determination in their previous matches and their game looks quite different from what it used to be 3 weeks ago.

Valladolid have had two solid strikers in Guteirrez and Llorente but both have not been at their usual best off late. Even if we go by past records Real Betis hold an upper hand as they have won 12 of the 18 matches played between the two teams and 2 matches have been drawn. Valladolid need to be an extra careful with their defense as well as their defense has been only the second worst to Levante as they have conceded 27 goals already.

Real Betis on the other hand are on a winning run and would like to carry the momentum in this match as well. An away win at this stage would mean that Betis would be out of the relegation zone as well as would have a fair chance to recover from the miserable start to the season in the second half. Pavone seems to have found his foothold and is the top scorer for the side. Both teams would want an outright win and incase the match end in a draw both would hope that Osasuna loose out on their tie.

Prediction: 1-2, Real Betis