Elche vs Real Betis Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | LaLiga 2025-26

This game will be one of the biggest fixtures in the opening matchweek.

The new season of LaLiga is in action, and fans will now witness an unmissable clash between Elche and Real Betis. Los llicitanos will have the home advantage as the match will take place at Manuel Martínez Valero.

Elche secured the promotion to the top division after securing a 4-0 win over Deportivo La Coruña. Fans will have huge expectations from their team this season.

Real Betis, on the other hand, are coming into this game as favourites despite being the away side. Los Verdiblancos play one of the most entertaining brands of football, and their matches are unmissable even for neutrals.

They finished in the sixth spot last season, and considering the talent at their disposal, they are expected to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.

Kickoff:

• Location: Elche, Spain
• Stadium: Manuel Martínez Valero
• Date and Kickoff time: Aug 19 – 00:30 IST; Aug 18 – 19:00 GMT/12:00 PT/ 15:00 ET
• Referee: Víctor García Verdura
• VAR: In Use

Form:

Elche (in all competitions): W-W-L-L-W

Real Betis (in all competitions): L-L-W-D-W

Players to watch out for:

Mourad El Ghezouani (Elche):

The Moroccan striker was Elche’s top goalscorer in LaLiga’s second division last season. He scored nine goals and played a crucial role in Elche’s promotion after a two-year absence. He is a very strong physical presence in the front line who easily keeps the opposition defenders engaged.

Fans will be expecting another excellent campaign from him as Elche will look to finish in a strong position.

Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)

After Isco’s latest Injury, Real Betis will have to rely on Giovani Lo Celso to provide creativity from the midfielder. Despite not getting much playing time during the pre-season, the Argentine will certainly play a crucial role for his team on the opening matchday. He is technically sound and can break low blocks fairly easily.

Manual Pallegrini and the fans will be expecting a great performance from him in the absence of their star player.

Match Facts:

• The last match between these two teams ended in a 3-2 win for Real Betis.
• Elche won 1-0 against Hércules in their last game.
• Real Betis lost 3-1 against Málaga in their last game.

Elche vs Real Betis: Betting tips and odds

Tip 1: Real Betis to win – 1.14 by StakeTip 2: Both teams to score – 1.49 by 1XBETTip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.88 by Dafabet

Injury and Team news:

Yago Santiago will be unavailable for the home side.

Real Betis, on the other hand, will be without the likes of Marc Roca, Abde Ezzalzouli and Isco due to their respective injuries.

Head to Head:

Total matches: 16

Elche won: 6

Real Betis won: 7

Draws: 3

Predicted Lineups:

Elche (4-2-3-1)

Dituro (GK); Nunez, Bigas, Barzic, Affengruber; Aguado, Petrot; Febas, Mendoza, Ghezouani; Houary

Real Betis (4-4-2)

Lopez (GK); Rodríguez, Bartra, Natan, Ballerin; Altimira, Fornals, Riquelme, Lo Celso; Avila, Hernandez

Match Prediction:

Real Betis are expected to register a win away from home against Elche.

Prediction: Elche 1-2 Real Betis

Telecast details:

India: FanCode

US: ESPN+

UK: Premier Sports

Nigeria: StarTimes Sports

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