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

Real Betis are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing set of results in La Liga over recent weeks as they host Elche on Sunday, having lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid last weekend.

Elche, meanwhile, managed a 2-1 win over Valencia in their previous league fixture - putting them two places above Betis in the table, despite playing two fewer games.

Match preview

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Betis's recent loss to Atletico means that Manuel Pellegrini 's men currently sit 10th in the table, having registered three wins and four losses so far this campaign.

During their latest trip to Madrid, Martin Montoya was sent off for bringing down Yannick Carrasco, with the team forced to play with 10 men in the last 15 minutes of the match.

Marcos Llorente got the first goal in the early stages of the second half, before Luis Suarez confirmed the three points with a goal in extra time.

Betis have now failed to score since October 3 - registering another disappointing loss against Real Sociedad two weeks ago, losing 3-0 against the Basque outfit.

Los Verdiblancos have struggled with consistency this season, with new boss Pellegrini failing to pick up a win since before the international break.

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Newly-promoted Elche, on the other hand, are currently on a four-game unbeaten run, having gained an impressive three wins and one draw in their last four matches.

Their latest league win over Valencia featured a cool finish by Josan Ferrandez within the opening 20 minutes, before he assisted Fidel Chaves 's goal just a few moments later.

Valencia were able to claw one back in the 74th minute with a goal by Toni Lato - resulting in a rather nervy ending for the hosts, as Gonzalo Verdu cleared a chance off the line in the dying moments of the game.

Los Franjiverdes have also kept three clean sheets in the league - an impressive stat heading into Sunday's game.

The two teams last met back in 2014 in a friendly, where Elche came out victorious in a 2-1 scoreline.

Just a few months prior, they faced off in La Liga - with the score ending in a dull 0-0 between the two teams.

Real Betis La Liga form: LLWLLW

Elche La Liga form: WWDWL

Elche form (all competitions): WWDWLL

Team News

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Following his red card against Atletico, Montoya is suspended for the upcoming home game - leaving Pellegrini with few options at right-back. Emerson is likely to replace him in defence if the Brazilian is deemed fit enough.

Injury-wise, Betis will be without Dani Martin, with Sidnei, Juanmi, Andres Guardado also doubtful.

The Chilean coach is also likely to start Antonio Sanabria up front again, preferring him to the likes of Loren Moron and Borja Iglesias.

Elche only have one injury doubt going into this game, with striker Guido Carrillo currently tackling a knee problem.

They will likely field a similar side to the one that beat Valencia, sticking to three at the back as Antonio Barragan, Verdu and Josema keep their places in defence.

Real Betis possible starting lineup:

Bravo; Emerson, Mandi, Bartra, Moreno; Rodriguez, Carvalho; Fekir, Canales, Tello; Sanabria

Elche possible starting lineup:

Badia; Barragan, Verdu, Josema; Josan, Marcone, Guti, Fidel; Morente, Milla, Rigoni

We say: Real Betis 1-1 Elche

Elche are currently in superb form, however Betis will be desperate to get back to winning ways - and will see this game as a great opportunity to secure at least a point. Therefore, we reckon a 1-1 scoreline will be the likely result of this match.

Top betting tip

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