Betis and Villarreal set for European battle at La Cartuja
Two of Spain's most improved sides lock horns in Seville as Pellegrini's injury-hit Betis face high-flying Villarreal in crucial European qualification clash.
Both fighting for European spots, Betis and Villarreal kick off the second half of their La Liga campaigns at Estadio La Cartuja this Saturday evening in what promises to be a proper Bobby Dazzler.
Form and standings
The Yellow Submarine arrive in Seville sitting pretty in 3rd position with 41 points and a game in hand, making them genuine contenders for Champions League qualification. Their recent 3-1 victory over Alavés at La Cerámica shows they’re in fine fettle.
Betis, meanwhile, are hanging on to 6th spot with 29 points after a 1-1 draw against Oviedo last time out. The Verdiblancos have been consistent if not spectacular this term, but European football remains firmly in their sights.
Team news
Pellegrini’s side are absolutely gutted with absences for this crucial fixture. The Chilean gaffer can’t call on the injured quartet of Isco, Junior, Bellerín and Cucho, while Moroccan internationals Abde and Amrabat are away at the Africa Cup of Nations final tomorrow.
Rotation will be essential for the home side following their midweek Copa del Rey heroics, where they staged a brilliant comeback to reach the quarter-finals. They remain alive in three competitions, which is stretching their squad to the limit.
Marcelino’s Villarreal, by contrast, have had a full week to prepare having already exited the Copa and being mathematically eliminated from the Champions League despite having two group stage matches still to play. They’re also missing Gueye to AFCON duties, while Akhomach’s name is circulating in transfer rumours.
What to expect
The contrast in preparation time could be telling. Villarreal’s single-competition focus gives them a freshness advantage, while Betis must dig deep after their cup exertions.
Despite their absences, Betis have shown tremendous character under Pellegrini, particularly in their midweek cup comeback that he described as “putting us through the wringer”.
With Villarreal’s attacking prowess and Betis’ never-say-die attitude, neutrals should be in for a treat as these two ambitious clubs continue their push for European qualification.