Match: La Liga
Fixture: Real Betis vs Alavés
Local Kick-off Time: 21:30 on August 22nd
Handicap Prediction:
Real Betis -0.5 (Asian Handicap)
Home Win (European Odds)
Predicted Scores: 1-0, 2-0
Expected Goals: 1, 2
Prediction & Comprehensive Analysis:
Real Betis amassed 60 points to finish 6th in the league last season and were runners-up in the UEFA Europa Conference League after losing to Chelsea in the final, with an overall impressive performance. They recorded 9 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses in 19 home games, with a win rate close to 50%. In their last 10 league home games, they achieved 5 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses—an excellent home record considering their multi-competition commitments. At the start of La Liga, Betis have been hit by injuries: Isco, Deossa, Llorente, Roca, and Abde are all sidelined, with Isco and Deossa’s absences having a significant impact on the team. Betis have picked up 1 draw and 2 losses in their last 3 games, showing poor form. During the offseason, Betis signed Riquelme, Gómez, Petit, Deossa, Firpo, and López, providing some reinforcement to the squad. However, issues surrounding the signing of Anthony remain unresolved, and coupled with Isco’s absence, this has had a notable negative impact on the team’s attack.
Alavés accumulated 42 points to finish 15th last season, only 2 points above the relegation zone (40 points). They narrowly secured relegation by picking up 7 points from their last 3 league games (2 wins and 1 draw). Alavés are positioned as a lower-table side in La Liga; due to limited strength, they stuck to counter-attacking football throughout the season, with "parking the bus" at the back becoming the norm. In their last 10 away games of last season, they achieved 3 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses, with an unbeaten rate of 80% and only 5 goals conceded—an impressive record for a small club. The team started the new season with a 2-1 home win over the promoted side, showing strong overall form. The club spent €3 million to sign Enríquez in the offseason, while Ibáñez, Castro, Fernández, Llanez, and Aleñá were all signed on free transfers, significantly strengthening the squad depth.
Summary:
Major Asian bookmakers offered Real Betis a -0.5 goal handicap with low odds for this match. There is a certain gap in strength between the two teams, and with Betis playing at home, this handicap is within a reasonable range. In their last 5 head-to-head meetings, Alavés have 2 wins and 3 draws, holding a notable psychological advantage. Although Alavés have changed significantly compared to last season, Real Betis have consistently maintained mid-to-upper table competitiveness in the league in recent years. Currently, major Asian bookmakers have maintained the -0.5 goal handicap for Betis while consistently keeping the odds low, essentially protecting the betting interest in Betis. Considering Alavés’ defensive solidity, it won’t be easy for Betis to secure all three points smoothly. Therefore, it is expected that Betis will claim a narrow win in this match.
