Elche vs Betis prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-02-23 20:00.
Elche’s 3-1 win at home to Villarreal three games ago was not the breakthrough they were looking for. They’ve conceded five unanswered goals against Real Madrid (L 4-0) and Espanyol (L 1-0) since then, becoming the fourth club in LL history to collect fewer than ten points from their first 22 matches. It may come as no surprise to find out the previous three teams all finished last!
Based on that, Pablo MachĂn’s personal curse when it comes to facing Real Betis looks set to continue. The new boss appears to be out of ideas after Elche’s loss to Espanyol came despite 19 shot attempts: “We are upset because little else can be done to win a game.” By full-time, the journeyman will have taken on Los Verdiblancos with five different clubs, and he’ll be praying that this is the first in which he comes out victorious (D2, L5).
Betis’ first set of back-to-back La Liga (LL) wins since mid-September was precisely what they needed to keep in touch with the top-four. After conceding eight goals in a three-game period (W1, L2), Manuel Pellegrini switched out Rui Silva for veteran Claudio Bravo in goal, and two key second-half saves from Bravo were instrumental in securing Betis’ best defensive effort in four LL games (W2, L2).
Despite returning to winning form, things are far from perfect for the away side. Sergio Canales was subbed off injured at half-time, whilst it also must be a concern that they were made to toil against bottom half sides AlmerĂa (3-2) and Valladolid (2-1) for their wins, particularly with tough assignments coming up against Real Madrid, Villarreal and AtlĂ©tico Madrid in a four-game period following this clash with last-placed Elche.
Players to watch: Elche desperately needs Roger Martà to end his 555-minute goal drought in all competitions as well as his personal three-game losing streak against Betis. In Canales’ absence, Betis could benefit greatly from Juanmi ending his streak of nine consecutive LL goals arriving at home.
Hot stat: All but two of Betis’ ten competitive outings in 2023 have produced 3+ total goals (average: 3.6).