La Liga preview and odds: Real Betis vs Sporting de Gijon

Published on: 19/02/2016

La Liga preview and odds: Real Betis vs Sporting de Gijon

February 20, 2016 19:30pm - Estadio Benito Villamarin

La Liga

Real Betis will try to build upon their recent revival under Juan Merino when they welcome 16th-ranked Sporting de Gijon to Seville in La Liga on Saturday night.

Betis going steady under Merino

Since arriving at the Seville club as a replacement for Pepe Mel, Juan Merino has guided his team to one win, three draws and just a single defeat. Prior to his arrival, they had lost four out of their previous six games, having drawn the other two.

The Béticos come into this match on the back of 2-2 draw away to Deportivo La Coruna and prior to that, they bagged a valuable home win against Valencia. Their biggest concern will be goal scoring with just three chances converted in their last six home games.

Barca defeat halts Sporting recovery

Sporting Coach Abelardo will be hoping that Wednesday`s 1-3 home defeat to Barcelona does not halt the good progress that his side has made over the last few weeks. Prior to that result, the Asturians had been unbeaten in four, having won two and drawn two in the league.

While they may not have expected to have taken anything from that match, it may have upset their positive momentum. A win or even a draw away to Betis would certainly help to erase that memory, and could also lift the 16th-placed club well clear of the danger zone.

Team news

The home side will be without the injured trio of Fabian Ruiz, Joaquin and Cristiano Piccini.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be missing Sanabria, N`Di and Espinosa, all through injury.

Recent form (League)

Real Betis: DWLDD

Sporting de Gijon: LDDWW

Betting odds and tips

Prior to their recent away win at Valencia, Sporting had lost seven away games in a row. Real Betis beat Valencia and drew with Real Madrid in their last two home games.

You can back the Home win at 21/20 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 19/02/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (19/02/2016 16:18:33) but are subject to change.