The Matchday 1 clash in La Liga between Elche and Betis will take place on August 18 at the Manuel Martinez Valero Stadium. Elche vs. Betis: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Elche
After two years, the club has returned to Spain's top division. Last season, Eder Sarabia's side finished second, only behind Levante. The team was noted for having the best defense in the Segunda, conceding just 34 goals. Elche also ranked second in home performance, suffering only 3 defeats in 21 matches (15 wins and 3 draws). Ahead of the new season, the club played 8 friendly matches, winning 4 and losing 4.
During the summer, the club lost midfielders Nicolas Mercau and Nicolas Castro. They brought in midfielders Martin Netu and Federico Redondo, as well as forward Alvaro Rodriguez.
- The club approaches the new season with a 5-match unbeaten streak in La Liga (2 wins and 3 draws).
- No more than two goals were scored in Elche's last five La Liga games.
- The team has not lost in their last 4 home matches in La Liga (2 wins and 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Elche (3-5-2)
Matias Dituro – John Donald, David Affengruber, Pedro Bigas – Aleix Febas, Herman Valera, Rodrigo Mendoza, Alvaro Nunez – Murad Daoudi, Rafa Nunez.
Due to injuries, forward Yago Santiago and defender Bambo Diaby are unavailable.
Betis
Manuel Pellegrini has been managing this team for five years. Under his leadership, the Seville side consistently finishes between 5th and 7th in the league standings. Last season, the club secured 6th place, earning a spot in the Europa League. However, at the end of the championship, Betis went on a 4-match winless streak (3 draws and 1 loss). Ahead of La Liga, the club played 6 friendly matches, achieving 2 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses.
The team bid farewell to forwards Borja Iglesias and Jesus Rodriguez, goalkeeper Rui Silva, defender Romain Perraud, and midfielder Jonny Cardoso. Forward Antony Matheus returned to Manchester United. The club acquired forward Rodrigo Riquelme, midfielder Nelson Deossa, and defenders Valentin Gomez, Natan, and Junior Firpo.
- The Seville side has not lost in 13 of their last 15 La Liga matches (9 wins and 4 draws).
- Both teams scored in Betis's last 11 La Liga matches.
- At least 3 goals were scored in 7 of the club's last 8 away league games.
Predicted lineup for Betis (4-4-2)
Pau Lopez – Natan, Aitor Ruibal, Ricardo Rodriguez, Nobel Mendi – Nelson Deossa, Pablo Fornals, Sergi Altimira, Iker Loasada – Cedric Bakambu, Cucho Hernandez.
Captain Isco is out long-term due to injury. Also unavailable due to injuries are forward Abde Ezzalzouli, defender Diego Llorente, midfielders Marc Roca and Giovani Lo Celso.
Referee
Victor Garcia (Spain)
Matches – 19 (La Liga, 2024/2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 89;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 37%.
Prediction for Elche vs. Betis
It will be challenging for the Seville side to replicate the impressive performances they showed in the second half of last season. Several key players have left, and team leader Isco is injured again. Therefore, Manuel Pellegrini's side may drop points even against newcomers, but they are unlikely to stop scoring. Betis enters this match with a 9-match scoring streak away in La Liga.
The hosts should also delight their fans with a productive display. Elche has scored in their last 16 home matches in the Segunda. I believe that a bet on both teams to score is optimal for this clash. After all, such a bet has won in Betis's last 11 La Liga matches. Furthermore, the last meeting between these opponents at this stadium ended 2-3 in favor of the Seville side.
My prediction – Both teams to score – yes
