Real Sociedad vs Betis prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2022-10-29 20:00.
The battle for the UEFA Champions League places intensifies in La Liga (LL) as fourth-placed Real Sociedad face off against a Real Betis side in fifth ahead of the round. Imanol Alguacilâs men saw their eight-game winning streak end in defeat to Valladolid last weekend, but bounced back in Europe by defeating Omonia Nicosia, maintaining their 100% record on the continent. Another victory here could move Sociedad into the top three, a position theyâve occupied after 12 rounds in each of the last three seasons, despite ultimately falling to finish outside the top four each time.
The Reale Arena has been a happy hunting ground for Sociedad this season, winning their last five home games in all competitions, and undefeated on their own turf since a 4-1 defeat to Barcelona on the opening matchday. Welcoming Betis is likely to inspire confidence amongst the White and Blues too, as they boast a dominant H2H record in league play as the hosts (W32, D15, L5).
Manuel Pellegriniâs men are likely to be confident travellers though, as theyâre unbeaten across their last four road trips (W2, D2), whilst keeping three consecutive clean sheets. The Chilean guided his Betis side to the knockout stages in the UEFA Europa League as group winners ahead of JosĂ© Mourinhoâs Roma, but admitted a face-off with Sociedad will be âdifficultâ.
Betis fell to defeat against AtlĂ©tico Madrid in their last LL outing, despite having more possession and shots on target than their opposition, indicating their performance wasnât far below par. Another reason for optimism is that the Green and Whites have avoided defeat on their last two visits to San SebastiĂĄn, and managed a 4-0 win on home soil against Sociedad last term, a repeat of which would see them leapfrog their hosts into the top four.
Players to watch: Sociedadâs Brais MĂ©ndez netted again in midweek, making a return of seven goals and three assists already this campaign. Thatâs a tally Borja Iglesias canât quite match (A2), but all of his seven strikes this term have come in LL, whilst also scoring three times against Sociedad in his career.
Hot stat: Real Sociedad have scored five of their six home goals before half-time in LL this season, but have scored none after the 60th minute.