Real Valladolid will be looking to give their survival hopes a boost when they continue their La Liga campaign at home to top-five chasing Real Betis on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts are currently 17th in the division, level on points with 18th-placed Elche, while Betis occupy sixth spot, three points behind fifth-placed Real Sociedad on the same number of games (33).
Match preview
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Valladolid made it three straight draws in La Liga on Wednesday evening as they twice came from behind against Athletic Bilbao to pick up a point in a 2-2 draw, with Shon Weissman scoring the game's final goal in the 85th minute.
Sergio Gonzalez's side have only actually lost two of their last nine league matches, but just one victory has arrived in the same period, which has left them struggling towards the bottom of the division.
As it stands, Valladolid are 17th in the table, level on points with 18th-placed Elche and just three points clear of Huesca in 19th; Eibar are currently in danger of being cut adrift at the bottom, but Huesca and Elche will both still be confident of pulling themselves out of the relegation zone in the fixtures ahead.
The White and Violets finished 13th in La Liga last term and would have been looking to consolidate again this season, but it has proved to be a difficult season for the club.
Valladolid also have the second-worst home form in La Liga this term, picking up just 15 points from their 16 matches, and they will be taking on a Betis side with the seventh-best away record in La Liga.
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Betis have only lost one of their last 11 league matches, which has helped them rise up the table, but they are now without a victory in Spain's top flight since overcoming Levante on March 19.
Incredibly, each of their last five matches have finished level, including draws with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, with a goalless draw being played out against the reigning champions last weekend.
Manuel Pellegrini's side are currently sixth in the table, three points behind fifth-placed Real Sociedad, and it would be a very successful season if they managed to claim a Europa League spot for next term.
Indeed, Betis have finished 10th and 15th in their last two La Liga campaigns; there has certainly been huge progress this term under Pellegrini, and the experienced head coach will be determined to lead the Green and Whites into Europe next term.
The Seville-based outfit ran out 2-0 winners when they faced Valladolid in the reverse match back in September, but the White and Violets recorded a 2-0 victory in the corresponding fixture last term.
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Team News
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Valladolid will again be without the services of Raul Garcia due to a knee problem, but the home side are otherwise in excellent shape for this weekend's contest.
Maranhao and Weissman impressed as a front two against Athletic last time out, and the pair are likely to lead the line once again, leaving Sergi Guardiola on the bench.
The bulk of the XI that featured against San Mames should again take to the field here, but there might be a change at left-back with Lucas Olaza potentially coming in for Nacho Martinez.
As for Betis, Victor Camarasa and Dani Martin remain unavailable for selection through injury, while Martin Montoya is a doubt with a muscular issue.
Nabil Fekir served a one-game suspension against Real Madrid but will be back for this match, with the Frenchman potentially taking Joaquin's position in the side.
Pellegrini could otherwise name the same XI that took to the field against the reigning champions, with Borja Iglesias getting the nod over Loren Moron and Juanmi to lead the attack.
Real Valladolid possible starting lineup:
Masip; Janko, Fernandez, El Yamiq, Olaza; Orellana, Fede, Alcaraz, Plano; Weissman, Maranhao
Real Betis possible starting lineup:
Bravo; Emerson, Mandi, Ruiz, Miranda; Guardado, Rodriguez; Lainez, Fekir, Canales; Iglesias
We say: Real Valladolid 0-1 Real Betis
It would not be a surprise to see Betis held to another draw this weekend as Valladolid have not often been beaten in recent weeks. Pellegrini's side were impressive against Real Madrid last time out, though, and we just fancy the visitors to edge a tight contest at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla.
Top tip
Matt Law
Data Analysis
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Real Betis win with a probability of 46.46%. A win for Real Valladolid had a probability of 27.6% and a draw had a probability of 25.9%.
The most likely scoreline for a Real Betis win was 0-1 with a probability of 11.39%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 1-2 (9.16%) and 0-2 (8.46%). The likeliest Real Valladolid win was 1-0 (8.3%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (12.33%). The actual scoreline of 1-1 was predicted with a 12.3% likelihood.
