Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
EL Salvador
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
North Macedonia
South Africa
United Arab Emirates

Alavesvs.Betis

sportsmole.co.uk, 23 August 2024, 17:38
Real Betis will be bidding to record their first win of the 2024-25 La Liga campaign when they travel to Mendizorrotza Stadium on Sunday evening to take on Alaves.

The Green and Whites played out a 1-1 draw with Girona in their season opener, while Alaves suffered a 2-1 loss to Celta Vigo in their first game of the new campaign.

Match preview

Alaves had an outstanding 2023-24 La Liga campaign after being promoted from the second tier, finishing in 10th position in the table, which proved to be their highest final spot since 2017.

The Blue and Whites will have their eyes on another top-half finish this term, and they have been active during the summer market, bringing in nine new players, including Stoichkov and Asier Villalibre.

There have been 12 departures, meanwhile, including sizeable transfers for Javi Lopez and Ruben Duarte, so there is a fresh look to the squad this season, and it will be fascinating to see how the Basque side perform.

Luis Garcia's side took the lead in the 17th minute of their La Liga opener against Celta last weekend, but Williot Swedberg levelled the scores in the 66th minute before Iago Aspas won it for the Sky Blues late on.

Alaves are winless in their last six La Liga matches against Real Betis, but both league meetings between the sides during the 2023-24 campaign finished all square, including a 1-1 draw at Mendizorrotza Stadium.

Real Betis, meanwhile, opened their 2024-25 La Liga campaign with a 1-1 draw against Girona; Marc Bartra sent Manuel Pellegrini's side ahead in the sixth minute, before the visitors netted a leveller in the second period.

The Seville outfit were in Conference League action against Kryvbas KR on Thursday evening, recording a 2-0 victory over the Ukrainian side in the first leg of their playoff encounter, with the La Liga team therefore in an excellent position to qualify ahead of the reverse fixture on August 29.

Real Betis' next La Liga game against Getafe has been postponed due to their European commitments, so their third game of the new domestic season will be against the champions Real Madrid on September 1.

The Green and Whites, who finished seventh in La Liga last season, have made eight signings this summer, with the biggest of those proving to be Marc Roca, who has arrived on a permanent basis from Leeds United.

Ayoze Perez, Willian Jose, Guido Rodriguez and Borja Iglesias are among those to have moved on, and it will be interesting to see whether this squad is capable of pushing for the top six in 2024-25.

Alaves La Liga form:

Real Betis La Liga form:

Real Betis form (all competitions):

Team News

Alaves were not missing any players for their season opener against Celta and have not reported any fresh concerns ahead of this match, so head coach Garcia could again have a full squad.

The manager is expected to resist the temptation to shuffle his pack, and it would not be a surprise to see the same XI take to the field, with Kike Garcia retaining his spot at centre-forward.

Hugo Novoa, Luis Rioja, Stoichkov and Villalibre are also pushing for starting roles, though, with Garcia having a number of big decisions to make when it comes to his team selection.

As for Real Betis, Cedric Bakambu is out until the start of next month with a muscular problem, while Isco remains a major doubt for the visitors due to an ankle issue.

Head coach Pellegrini make a number of changes to his side for the European affair on Thursday, but the likes of Roca, William Carvalho, Juanmi, Aitor Ruibal and Bartra should be back in the XI for this match.

Real Betis are currently short of options when it comes to the centre-forward spot in their side, and it would not be a surprise to see a new player arrive in that area before the end of the transfer window.

Alaves possible starting lineup:

Sivera; Vicente, Abqar, Tenaglia, Diarra; Guevara, Blanco; Romero, Guridi, Conechny; Kike Garcia

Real Betis possible starting lineup:

Silva; Sabaly, Bartra, Llorente, Perraud; Carvalho, Roca; Fornals, Fekir, Juanmi; Ruibal

We say: Alaves 1-2 Real Betis

Alaves will be the fresher of the two sides, but Thursday's European match could provide good momentum for Real Betis, and we are backing Pellegrini's outfit to edge a close match on Sunday in order to move onto four points in Spain's top flight.

Previews by email
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea outcast offered shock Premier League escape route as 'loan talks' held
Out-of-favour Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has supposedly held talks over a loan move to Bournemouth for the 2024-25 season.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Leganesvs.Las Palmas
Two teams that drew their opening games of the 2024-25 La Liga campaign will lock horns at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on Sunday evening, with Leganes welcoming Las Palmas.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler explains why Valentin Barco has joined Sevilla on loan
Sevilla have announced the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion left-back Valentin Barco on a season-long loan deal.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal transfer news: 24-year-old 'agrees' loan return to former club
Arsenal attacker Fabio Vieira has reportedly agreed to rejoin Porto on loan for the 2024-25 season.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelonavs.Athletic Bilbao
Barcelona will be aiming to make it successive wins at the start of the 2024-25 La Liga campaign when they host Athletic Bilbao on Saturday night.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Mikel Merino pictured at Spanish airport ahead of £32.6m Arsenal transfer
Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino has been pictured at a Spanish airport as he prepares to complete his permanent transfer to Arsenal.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Aston Villavs.Arsenal
On Saturday evening, Unai Emery reunites with the man who succeeded him in the Arsenal dugout, as Aston Villa host the Gunners in the Premier League.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
"A good step for my career" - Joachim Andersen explains £30m Crystal Palace exit
Fulham have completed the signing of defender Joachim Andersen from fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Nicevs.Toulouse
Nice will take on Toulouse at the Allianz Riviera on Saturday afternoon, seeking their first points of the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madridvs.Valladolid
Luka Modric is expected to be brought into the Real Madrid XI for Sunday's La Liga game against Real Valladolid, with Jude Bellingham on the sidelines through injury.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madridvs.Valladolid
Real Valladolid head coach Paulo Pezzolano could name an unchanged side for Sunday's La Liga contest with the reigning champions Real Madrid at Bernabeu.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madridvs.Valladolid
Real Madrid will be aiming to record their first victory of the 2024-25 La Liga campaign when they welcome newly-promoted Real Valladolid to Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Ipswich
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Ilkay Gundogan could be available to make his second debut for Manchester City in Saturday's Premier League clash against Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arne Slot addresses centre-back future and Liverpool's quiet summer window
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot anticipates that Joe Gomez will stay at the club beyond the transfer deadline, despite ongoing rumours about the defender's future.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Nantesvs.Auxerre
Newly-promoted Auxerre will travel to Stade de la Beaujoire to face Nantes on Saturday, aiming to build on their opening day victory in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Ipswich
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that it was a "complete surprise" to learn of Ilkay Gundogan's desire to re-join the club, but he is delighted to welcome the midfielder back to the Etihad Stadium.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ronaldo breaks YouTube records: How new channel compares to world's biggest clubs
Cristiano Ronaldo is no stranger to making history and setting records, from scoring the most international goals to being the record scorer across all UEFA club competitions. Recently, however, the legendary Portuguese international has expanded his horizons: becoming a YouTube phenomenon.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelonavs.Athletic Bilbao
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is hopeful that Dani Olmo will be available to make his debut for the club in Saturday's La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelonavs.Athletic Bilbao
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is hopeful that Dani Olmo will be available to make his debut for the club in Saturday's La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Premier League predictions GW2: Man Utd to lose at Brighton, Arsenal to edge Villa
Brighton & Hove Albion are the early-season leaders of the Premier League table after matchday one, and they will kick things off in gameweek two when they welcome Manchester United to the Amex Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madridvs.Valladolid
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated that his club will not be making any new signings in the final stages of the summer transfer window.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Hoffenheimvs.Holstein Kiel
Holstein Kiel play their inaugural Bundesliga game when they travel to the PreZero Arena to play Hoffenheim on Saturday.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ilkay Gundogan re-joins Man City: Five iconic moments that make midfielder a Citizens legend
Manchester City have announced the sensational return of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from Barcelona.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madrid hit with bitter injury blow as key man suffers training-ground issue
Real Madrid have confirmed that Jude Bellingham suffered an injury during Friday's training session, and the midfielder is now expected to be absent for the next month.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Spursvs.Everton
Tottenham Hotspur and Everton will both go in search of their first wins of the Premier League campaign in Saturday afternoon's showdown in North London.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Ipswich
Premier League champions Manchester City welcome newly-promoted Ipswich Town to the Etihad Stadium for their first home match of the new season on Saturday afternoon.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
PSGvs.Montpellier
Manchester United's priority transfer target Manuel Ugarte has reportedly been left out of Paris Saint-Germain's squad for a second match in a row amid rumours that he is close to finalising a move to Old Trafford.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Aberdeenvs.Kilmarnock
Aberdeen will be looking to continue their perfect start to the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season when they host Kilmarnock at the Pittodrie Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Eddie Howe reveals he cannot guarantee defender's Newcastle future amid exit talks
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted he cannot guarantee that Kieran Trippier will remain at St James' Park beyond the current transfer window.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Spursvs.Everton
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed that striker Dominic Solanke will not be available for Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton due to an ankle injury.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Romavs.Empoli
Having failed to find the net last week, Roma will seek a first win of the new season on Sunday, as they welcome Empoli to Stadio Olimpico.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bragavs.Moreirense
Two undefeated sides after two games in Braga and Moreirense battle in Sunday's Primeira Liga gameweek three match at Estadio Municipal de Braga.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Transfer news and rumours today: Tottenham loan exit, Hummels to Real Sociedad
Ashley Phillips has become the latest Tottenham Hotspur youngster to leave the club on loan this summer, joining Stoke City in the Championship for the 2024-25 season.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Estorilvs.Gil Vicente
Winless Estoril Praia return to Primeira Liga action on Sunday, keen to record their first win of the 2024-25 season against Gil Vicente at Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Aroucavs.Nacional
Winless Arouca and Nacional face off in Sunday's Primeira Liga match at Estadio Municipal de Arouca, both eager to record their first win of the new season at the third time of asking.
23 August 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Bournemouthvs.Newcastle
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe returns to familiar surroundings on Sunday afternoon, as his Magpies side head south to meet Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League.
Show more

Top News

1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly monitored Georgian wonderkid Saba Kharebashvili amidst interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. 1 March 2025 talksport.com Wilfried Zaha has wasted no time adjusting to life in MLS with Charlotte FC. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk In a clash that could impact the race for European football and the relegation battle in the Turkish Super Lig, Istanbul Basaksehir are set to host Sivasspor at Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium on Monday. 1 March 2025 talksport.com Al Nassr cult hero Anderson Talisca has got involved in his old side's affairs, leading to suggestions he was targeting Cristiano Ronaldo. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City's teenage starlet Nico O'Reilly was at the double as the Sky Blues secured a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals courtesy of a 3-1 comeback win over a spirited Plymouth Argyle side at the Etihad Stadium. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid's La Liga title hopes suffered a setback in Seville on Saturday evening, with the reigning champions suffering a 2-1 defeat to Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis outfit. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race for Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, with Los Blancos preparing to battle a number of clubs for his signature during this summer's transfer window. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Goztepe SK will look to end their four-game winless league run when they welcome Samsunspor to the Gursel Aksel Stadium on Monday. 1 March 2025 talksport.com Wolves talisman Matheus Cunha left his side a man down and out of the FA Cup with a bizarre last minute red card. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United attacker Alejandro Garnacho during this summer's transfer window. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United reportedly view Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery as a potential replacement for Ruben Amorim, should the club decide to make another change in the dug-out at the end of the campaign. 1 March 2025 talksport.com Millwall supporters are set to be investigated by the Football Association for homophobic chants aimed at Ben Chilwell. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made 11 changes to his starting lineup for this evening's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Plymouth Argyle at the Etihad Stadium. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The reigning FA Cup holders take on a team who have never won the tournament in Sunday's fifth-round contest, as Manchester United welcome Fulham to their Old Trafford home. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has apparently turned down Los Blancos' first offer of a new contract amid interest from 'several teams' in the burgeoning centre-back. 1 March 2025 talksport.com A new rule is set to be introduced next season to combat time-wasting from goalkeepers. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Following their cup success in midweek, Sporting Lisbon will aim to build on that momentum when they return to Primeira Liga action on Monday for round 24, welcoming Estoril Praia to Estadio Jose Alvalade. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona will continue their La Liga campaign with a home fixture against Real Sociedad on Sunday afternoon. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl has warned Joshua Kimmich that no player is above the club as the Arsenal-linked midfielder reportedly hesitates over a new contract. 1 March 2025 talksport.com Despite an initially promising start in coaching, John Terry is now set to switch careers. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal are reportedly prepared to rival AC Milan for Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri. 1 March 2025 talksport.com Jose Mourinho's four-match ban has been halved and his £35,000 fine reduced after a successful appeal. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly not ruled out the prospect of making an effort to sign Chelsea defender Levi Colwill this summer. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Konyaspor will be looking to inject some much-needed momentum into their survival fight in the Turkish Super Lig when they host Trabzonspor at Torku Arena on Monday. 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Two sides looking to bounce back from recent defeats in the Turkish Super Lig go head-to-head on Monday as Gaziantep host Eyupspor at the Gaziantep Stadium 1 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk AC Milan are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Casemiro this summer. 1 March 2025 talksport.com Burnley players refused to shake the hand of Preston's Milutin Osmajic, who was accused of racism by Clarets star Hannibal Mejbri just two weeks ago. 1 March 2025 talksport.com Jean-Philippe Mateta was rushed to hospital after a shocking challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts. 1 March 2025 talksport.com talkSPORT has you covered for all the latest news as the FA Cup takes centre stage this weekend. 1 March 2025 talksport.com talkSPORT has you covered for all the latest news as the FA Cup takes centre stage this weekend.