5 bold La Liga predictions: Barcelona bounce back against Atletico

2. Betis remain the neutral’s favorite

Quique Setien’s side earned plaudits last year due to a refreshing attacking approach that saw them involved in a number of high-scoring affairs which they were sometimes on the wrong end of. Their disappointing start to the season, which didn’t bring the desired results or entertainment, threatened to see them lose their status as one of the best teams to watch in Spain. However, that has changed in recent matches.

Celta’s visit to the Benito Villamarin saw them play out a thrilling 3-3 draw. Betis went 2-0 up before Celta mounted a stunning fightback to lead 3-2, but Sergio Canales saved the day with a stunning free-kick near the end. Betis hosted Milan in the Europa League after that and played out an entertaining 1-1 draw before facing Barcelona in the final game just prior to the November international break. Los Verdiblancos repeatedly cut open the Catalans to come away 4-3 victors, although they were lucky to hold off a late surge.

Villarreal are another top-six side from last season that are having major issues. They’re currently on a six-game winless run and find themselves in 16th place with just one point separating them from the relegation places. Against Betis, the attacking players should thrive in the space provided if they’re able to play around the press. This could very easily be a wide-open game between two technically gifted sides.

Based on goals scored, El Submarino Amarillo don’t look threatening — they’ve only scored 11 goals in 12 games — but they’re heavily underperforming in front of goal, with an xG of 16.23, per Understat, the seventh highest mark in the division.

Betis take risks, playing a high defensive line in order to control possession and dictate the tempo of games, so Villarreal should have chances if they can move the ball quickly, but their defense will struggle to absorb the sustained periods of pressure from the opposition. Expect a high-scoring game.