Real Madrid vs Betis preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

With the title race heating up, Xabi Alonso's team needs to win and avoid any mistakes, especially at home. While Betis will continue to push hard to earn a spot in European competition next season.

Real Madrid have tried to keep up with the pace of La Liga Leaders and defending champions, Barcelona. Los Blancos won Sevilla 2-0 in their last match courtesy of England Midfielder Jude Bellingham and France forward Kylian Mbappe.

A win at the capital city this weekend is a must for Xabi Alonso and his men to keep the team in a positive shape and also keep themselves within reach of the top of the table.

Meanwhile, Real Betis are sitting comfortably in the top half of the table and will be aiming for a top-six finish. Their recent run has been impressive, especially with the 4-0 demolition of Getafe before the New Year holiday.​

Although their results away from home have been mixed, Betis has a habit of playing well in big matches. They are expected to defend deep and try to hit Madrid on the counter.

Don't forget to check out our daily betting tips on BET OF THE DAY

Real Madrid has had a tough time getting past Real Betis, even at the Bernabeu in recent years. Out of their last five La Liga clashes, three ended in draws, showing how evenly matched these games can be.

Betis has also done well defensively in Madrid, managing to keep clean sheets in a few of those visits. Still, Real Madrid broke that streak last season with a solid 2-0 home win, but lost away to Betis.

Real Madrid is dealing with several injury worries ahead of this match. Kylian Mbappe is a big doubt after picking up a muscle issue in the game against Sevilla. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are still out with long-term knee injuries.

There are also fitness concerns for Trent Alexander-Arnold and David Alaba. On the bright side, Federico Valverde should be fit and ready to control the midfield.

While former Madrid star Isco will be unavailable for the Betis side, Sofyan Amrabat, Cedric Bakambu, and Abde Ezzalzouli are still at the AFCON tournament.

However, Manuel Pellegrini will likely stick to the same formation he used in the last match against Getafe, with Antony up front to cause some threats to the Madrid defence.

Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Huijsen, Rudiger, Carreras; Bellingham, Tchouameni, Guler; Rodrygo, G Garcia, Vinicius

​Betis: Valles; Bellerin, Natan, Bartra, Gomez; Deossa, Roca; Antony, Fornals, Ruibal; Hernandez

Real Madrid may be limping into this clash with injuries piling up and Mbappé possibly sidelined, but you cannot ignore them, not when they are playing at the Bernebeu.

You can bet on Real Madrid to have a slight edge in this encounter, and you can stake on this game at Livescorebet for the best odds.

​Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Betis

• Bet on Real Madrid to win

• Over 2.5 goals

• Over 7.5 corners