La Liga 2020/21: Real Betis vs Real Madrid

Gameweek three sees Manuel Pellegrini face former employers, Real Madrid, in what should be an interesting affair at Benito Villamarín Stadium.

Real Betis have started their La Liga campaign well having beaten Deportivo Alavés and Real Valladolid, they sit second on goal difference. Real Betis finished 15^th last season, there are early signs that Manuel Pellegrini has improved Real Betis, they kept clean sheets in the first two matches, they won 1-0 and 2-0.

Real Madrid began their La Liga campaign a week later than Real Betis, having lost to Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16, the extension to the season gave them an extra week off. They began their title defence away at Real Sociedad, Real Madrid looked the more likely to score but were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw.

This tactical preview will provide tactical analysis on the tactics of both sides ahead of their encounter on Saturday night. Video analysis and tactical boards will be used.

Predicted line-ups

Real Betis are likely to stick with the same back four that has helped them keep two clean sheets in as many games. The defence will be protected by the two pivots, William Carvalho and Guido Rodríguez. They will provide a defensive block to stop Real Madrid attacks through the centre of the pitch, both players’ strengths lie in defending.

Nabil Fekir, Joaquín and Sergio Canales will play in the three behind Borja Iglesias but their positions may vary to above, the 4-2-3-1 formation, likely to be played by Pellegrini, will allow freedom for the three attacking midfielders. The AMs are likely to occupy more central than wide positions in the game, hence the narrow formation.