Preview: Cadiz vs. Real Betis - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts were denied all three points on the weekend by a 102nd-minute equaliser in Girona, while the visitors swept Almeria aside with a 3-1 win.

Match preview

Considering that Cadiz were making history for all the wrong reasons at the start of September, their recent turnaround in form has been a real testament to the character of the squad.

Following the worst start to a season in LaLiga history, with five consecutive defeats, zero goals scored and 14 conceded, Los Gaditanos have since churned out four successive results, with a win against Real Valladolid preceding draws against Villarreal, Espanyol and Girona.

Much more reminiscent of the gritty, resolute displays that have kept Cadiz in the top division over the last two seasons, Sergio Gonzalez's men deserve great credit for plugging the defensive gaps in recent weeks, with the performances of Ruben Alcaraz and Luis Hernandez particularly deserving of credit.

Last time out in Girona, the Andalusians were desperately unlucky to concede a penalty deep into stoppage time, having taken the lead through Alex Fernandez early in the second half.

Back on home soil this time, expect Los Piratas to make it tricky for their Champions League-chasing visitors.

Real Betis are starting to gather a real head of steam after a convincing win on the weekend, overpowering Almeria on Sunday with an all-guns-blazing attacking display.

Having sealed qualification for the Europa League knockout stages in midweek, a much-changed side did the business at a bouncing Benito Villamarin, as a William Carvalho brace inspired Los Verdiblancos to a 3-1 victory.

Manuel Pellegrini seems to have two distinct sides for European and domestic competition, with the returns of Borja Iglesias, Guido Rodriguez and Rui Silva to the side demonstrating the strength in depth at the Chilean's disposal.

With just one defeat in their last nine games, including an impressive away victory at Roma two weeks ago, the club from Seville are in great shape to continue their charge for the Champions League spots.

Cadiz La Liga form:

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Real Betis La Liga form:

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Real Betis form (all competitions):

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Team News

Cadiz could be without full-back Isaac Carcelen, who limped off after an hour in Girona on the weekend, while Jon Ander Garrido will continue on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Ivan Alejo was impressive on the weekend, and should continue on the right in place of Theo Bongonda, while Alcaraz should continue his partnership with Fede San Emeterio in the centre of midfield.

For the visitors, both Juanmi and Nabil Fekir will miss out once again, with ankle and hamstring injuries respectively.

German Pezzella will return to the side after serving a one-match suspension, while Iglesias will continue up front after his goal on the weekend.

Cadiz possible starting lineup:

Ledesma; Espino, Hernandez, Chust, Zaldua; Fernandez, Alcaraz, San Emeterio, Alejo; Negredo, Sobrino

Real Betis possible starting lineup:

Silva; Moreno, Felipe, Pezzella, Sabaly; Rodriguez, Carvalho; Henrique, Canales, Rodri; Iglesias

We say: Cadiz 1-2 Real Betis

A tough one to predict given Cadiz's solid form of late, we are backing Real Betis to scrape a narrow away win.

Manuel Pellegrini's side are high on confidence, and should be able to keep the pressure on the likes of Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad above them in the table.

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