Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker:
Knowing that a single point will be enough to extend on their La Liga status, Valencia will travel to the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Sunday night when they meet Real Betis.
Real Betis
Starting with the hosts, making an immediate return to winning ways last weekend, Real Betis have continued to impress many across Spain this season. Breezing their way to another European finish with time to spare, Manuel Pellegrini’s men will be looking to sign off their La Liga adventure with another statement on Sunday night. Last seen picking up an action-packed 2-1 win away at Girona, the former West Ham boss should find the mood in his camp at a continued high. Along with opening May with a 1-0 win away at Athletic Bilbao, Los Verdiblancos have lost just one of their last five top-flight appearances. However, despite bouncing back from their brief April wobble, Betis have struggled to find much stability on home soil this season. Last seen at the Estadio Benito Villamarin getting hit with a downbeat 1-0 loss at the hands of Getafe, Pellegrini’s side have won just a trio of their last eight home matchups across all competitions a run that stems back to a 2-1 victory against Valladolid back on February 18th.
Team News
Picking up a long-term knee injury earlier in the year and not making a single appearance since the end of February, Nabil Fekir will once again miss out here. Making his return from a minor knock last week, William Carvalho should retain his spot in midfield.
Bagging both goals against Girona last weekend and now notching three strikes in just his last four La Liga appearances, Borja Iglesias will once again spearhead Pellegrini’s charge on Sunday night.
Valencia
As for the visitors, snatching what was a stunning last-gasp 2-2 draw away at Espanyol last week, the Bats have certainly claimed a crucial boost over the past six weeks. Opening Sunday’s La Liga finale holding a two-point buffer over the drop zone, Ruben Baraja’s men will be more than aware that there is still work to be done. However, sat firmly in pole position to avoid what would be an infamous top-flight relegation on Sunday night, the Bats have lost just a pair of their previous eight domestic appearances a run that stems back to April 16th. With their recent upturn in fortune highlighted by a famous 1-0 win against Real Madrid last month, Valencia will also be excited by their most recent meeting against Sunday’s hosts. Putting in what was arguably a season-best performance as they clinched a 3-0 victory at the Mestalla back on November 10th, Baraja will be desperate for a repeat display here.
Team News
Sustaining a season-ending knee injury back in April, former Valladolid forward Marcos Andre will once again miss out at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Coming off the bench and bagging a last-gasp equaliser against Espanyol last weekend, 23-year-old Samuel Lino could be handed a full recall on Sunday night. Likewise, despite failing to find the net since the end of January, Edinson Cavani could also feature here.
Key Factors to Consider
