🔥 Main prediction

Real Betis 2–1 Real Sociedad
Alternative: 1–1

⚔️ Why do I lean towards Betis? Betis has the advantage of playing at La Cartuja and arrives with relatively more convincing preparation. In their last five recorded matches, Betis registered 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, whereas Sociedad recorded 2 wins and 3 losses. Interestingly, here are the results of their recent friendlies: Inter 1–0 Betis Betis 3–1 Arsenal Betis 2–2 Bournemouth Sociedad 1–3 Chelsea Köln 2–1 Sociedad Toulouse 2–1 Sociedad In terms of momentum, Betis appears more stable, although the 0–1 loss to Inter suggests their attack might not be sharp right from the start. 🟢 Real Betis's strengths Betis is expected to use a 4–2–3–1 formation, with Pablo Fornals playing behind Cucho Hernández, and Antony and Riquelme providing support from the wings. Fran García and Facundo Bernal are also expected to feature in the starting XI. Betis's keys to the game: 1. Aggressive play from the start Playing at home, Betis will likely try to control possession and press Sociedad from the very first minute. 2. Wing play as a primary weapon Antony and Riquelme can provide pace and open up space between Sociedad's full-backs and center-backs. 3. Midfield experience If Isco plays, Betis's creative quality increases. However, his physical condition remains a concern, so he likely won't play the full match. 4. Favorable home record Betis won 3–1 against Sociedad in their home meeting in September 2025 and previously won 3–0 in February 2025. 🔵 Real Sociedad's strengths Sociedad is no easy opponent. As the previous season's Copa del Rey champions, they possess a significant mental advantage. They have players like Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea, and Óskarsson who can cause problems for the Betis defense. However, there are some issues. Sociedad arrives with several players unavailable or not yet 100% match-fit, including Odriozola and Gorrotxategi. Oyarzabal is reportedly in the squad but is not expected to start. This could blunt Sociedad's attacking threat, particularly in the first half. I expect Betis to take the initiative. 📊 Head-to-head Their last match on May 9, 2026, ended 2-2. Prior to that, Betis won 3-1 at Sociedad's home ground in September 2025. Results in recent meetings have been fairly balanced, so I do not view Betis as an overwhelming favorite. A 1-1 draw remains the biggest threat to the prediction of a Betis victory.

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