Eibar have made bright starts to defy expectations in their last two seasons in La Liga so it’s not been such a surprise to see them do likewise again. The Basque minnows look to be well on course already to securing a 4th straight season in the top flight and will be over halfway to 40 points and level with Atletico Madrid if they can pull off another victory here.
They’ve been strong at home so far, winning 67% of their home matches and it’s just 1 defeat in 9 league games at the Estadio Municipal de Ipurúa now for them. Curiously that defeat came against struggling Osasuna but they’ve achieved good results in all their other recent home fixtures against stronger opposition.
A couple of weeks ago, you’d certainly have fancied Eibar to win this but Betis are under new management now and looked an improved outfit as Víctor Sánchez took his bow last time out with a 2-0 win at home to an impressive Las Palmas side. Betis are often a side that performs better away than at home and they perhaps enjoy playing away from the pressure of their big home crowd. They’ve scored more away goals than they have at home so far this term and they’ve already chalked up a couple of good away wins, so they should be more than capable of making a game of this.
Betis may be below Eibar, but arguably they still have a bit more quality in their ranks so an even contest does look likely. Víctor Sánchez is perhaps a more cautious coach than Gus Poyet and his Depor side last term were the division’s big draw specialists. He’d certainly settle for a point here to make it 4 points from his opening 2 games, so we shouldn’t expect anything too bold from the visitors.
Eibar are perhaps more comfortable with the underdog tag and playing against sides who will come onto them so this could develop into an awkward kind of game for them and backing the draw at 11/5 looks to offer the best value here.
Head To Head
The sides met for the first time in 15 years last season. They drew 1-1 in the Basque Country while Eibar cruised to a 4-0 win in Seville.
Eibar vs Real Betis Stats
Both teams have scored in 67% of Eibar games this season. There have been under 2.5 goals in 6 of Betis' last 8 games.
Eibar Team News
Kike Garcia is available after a ban and should start up front alongside Sergi Enrich. Anaitz Arbilla may be preferred to Ander Copa at right-back but no other changes are expected.
Real Betis Team News
Antonio Adan should start in goal despite a knee problem. Betis are expected to continue with a 3-5-2 formation with Ryan Donk in a holding midfield role. Experienced duo Joaquin and Ruben Castro should start up front.
