Real Betis vs Malaga Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Real Betis have been one of the stories of the season in La Liga, with Quique Setien doing an exceptional job. They look set to end the campaign not only in a European position but as the pride of Seville and indeed Andalusia, which will be sweet for their fans as it is many years since they’ve finished up as the top ranked side in their region.

There will be one fewer Andalusian side in La Liga next term with Malaga heading for the Segunda Division. Their relegation had been confirmed even before their home game with Sociedad last weekend and with absolutely nothing to play for, they went and claimed just their fifth league win of the campaign, two of which were against the Basque club.

Their only away win this season came at the Anoeta but overall they’ve been dreadful travellers and there’s little reason to fancy them getting anything from this game. Malaga have lost a huge 82% of their road games this term and 5 of their last 6 have ended in defeat.

Even a Malaga goal is hard to really see here. They’ve failed to score in 71% of their away matches this season and have the joint worst overall goalscoring record in the division, along with an equally shot-shy Las Palmas side.

Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem for Betis at any point this term. Only 4 sides can better their average of 1.59 goals per game, while they’ve managed 1.82 at home. They have more than enough firepower to break down struggling opposition but what’s really impressive about them now is how much better they are at the back.

The January signing of Marc Bartra has been key, as the former Dortmund man has really strengthened the defence. He’s banned for this one but it’s unlikely to be a hugely testing evening for Betis, who come into this game having kept six straight clean sheets with all but one of those matches ending in victory for the Seville club.

Against a poor Malaga side, backing Real Betis to Win to Nil again certainly looks to offer value.

Meanwhile backing Sergio Leon to score anytime could also be worth considering. The Betis frontman has scored in 2 of his last 4 appearances to move onto 11 league goals for the season and is certainly likely to be one of the home team’s main goal threats here in a fixture they should boss.