Real Betis will be looking to make it back-to-back wins at the start of the 2020-21 La Liga season when they welcome Real Valladolid on Sunday night.
Manuel Pellegrini's side recorded a 1-0 victory over Alaves in their season opener last weekend, while Valladolid shared the points with Real Sociedad on home soil.
Match preview
There is no getting away from the fact that Betis were disappointing in Spain's top flight last season, finishing 15th in the table, only five points above the relegation zone.
Pellegrini was appointed head coach of the Seville outfit in July, though, and the Chilean got his tenure off to a perfect start last weekend courtesy of a late goal from Cristian Tello, which secured a 1-0 victory over Alaves.
Betis have not exactly been busy during this summer's transfer window, but Martin Montoya and Claudio Bravo have both arrived on free transfers, and the latter made his debut last weekend.
The Green and Whites will be eyeing another positive result ahead of their next game at home to Real Madrid on September 26, but they have lost their last two games against Valladolid, including a 2-1 defeat in the corresponding match during the 2019-20 campaign.
Valladolid, meanwhile, finished 13th in La Liga last season, which actually represented their best placing in Spain's top flight for almost 20 years.
Sergio Gonzalez's side appear to be heading firmly in the right direction, and they started their 2020-21 campaign with a point at home to Sociedad last weekend.
Valladolid have managed to bring a number of new players to the club this summer, but there has also been a major outgoing, with highly-rated centre-back Mohammed Salisu joining Southampton.
Pucela were 10 points off the top half of La Liga last season, and there is no question that the supporters will be looking for their side to push towards the top 10 during the current campaign.
Real Betis La Liga form: W
Real Valladolid La Liga form: D
Team News
Betis will again be without the services of Dani Martin, Victor Camarasa and Francis Guerrero through injury, while Antonio Sanabria and Andres Guardado remain doubts for the home side.
Tello is battling Joaquin for a spot down the left, while Victor Ruiz is fit after missing out last week and could make his debut following a summer move from Besiktas.
Pellegrini is expected to keep faith with the XI that started against Alaves, though, meaning that Borja Iglesias should lead the line, leaving Loren Moron on the bench.
As for Valladolid, Kiko Olivas, Ruben Alcaraz and Jordi Masip remain on the sidelines, while Javi Sanchez is a doubt, meaning that Bruno Gonzalez should start in the heart of the defence.
Oscar Plano and Fabian Orellana should keep their spots in the wide areas, with new signing Shon Weissman, who joined from Wolfsberger over the summer, featuring alongside Sergi Guardiola in attack.
Real Betis possible starting lineup:
Bravo; Emerson, Mandi, Bartra, Moreno; Rodriguez, Carvalho; Joaquin, Canales, Fekir; Iglesias
Real Valladolid possible starting lineup:
Jimenez; Moyano, Gonzalez, Fernandez, Nacho; Plano, Emeterio, Michel, Orellana; Guardiola, Weissman
We say: Real Betis 1-1 Real Valladolid
Both sides picked up good results on the opening weekend, and we are struggling to separate the two teams on this occasion. Betis underachieved last term and should push higher up the table in 2020-21, but Valladolid have developed into a strong side and are capable of claiming a point here.
Top betting tip
Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home/Away:databody check tags ::
