Las Palmas - Real Betis predictions and free betting tips [16/05/2024]

On Thursday, the 16th of May, in the 36th round of the Spanish La Liga, Las Palmas will face off against Real Betis. Andalusians, with 55 points, hold the sixth position and have a strong chance of securing a Europa League spot, while the hosts sit in 14th place with no significant tournament goals

Las Palmas

In recent weeks, Las Palmas have been out of form, suffering eight consecutive defeats in La Liga and securing just one victory in the last 14 rounds. Fortunately for the Canaries, they amassed a significant number of points earlier in the season, nearly guaranteeing their spot in the elite and avoiding the nerve-wracking finale that Cádiz and Celta face. Mathematically, Las Palmas have not confirmed their survival yet. Last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Mallorca followed three other losses in a row—Real Sociedad (2-0), Girona (0-2), and Celta (4-1). Giovanni González scored in the first half, helping the Islanders defend their slim advantage.
It's important to note that the hosts rank 15th overall in points earned at home (22 in 17 games, with both 17 goals scored and conceded). Moreover, Las Palmas have scored just once in the last eight rounds—the lowest among all top-5 European leagues. Right-back Julián Araujo, on loan from Barcelona, will be suspended on Thursday due to an accumulation of yellow cards, while Sinkgraven and Perrone (Man City loanee) are out injured. The attack will be led by Kirian Rodríguez (6 goals, 2 assists), Cardona, and Munir El-Haddadi, each with 3 goals in La Liga. Experienced Sandro Ramírez can bolster the offensive line from the bench, and Moleiro will be responsible for the defensive midfield.

Real Betis

Last weekend, Real Betis secured a hard-fought 2-0 win against Almería at the Benito Villamarín, marking their second consecutive victory following their triumph over Osasuna (0-2). Pablo Fornals and Isco scored in the first half, and Ayoze Pérez restored the two-goal cushion after the break. The Verdiblancos reclaimed the 6th spot in the table, overtaking Real Sociedad, who lost to Barcelona by the same scoreline. This result practically guarantees that the Andalusians will secure a Europa League spot, especially as Manuel Pellegrini's side are unbeaten in five La Liga matches, winning four and drawing one. Note that Betis are eighth overall in points accumulated away from home (21 in 17 matches).

Real Betis' supporters might be concerned that their team has only kept one clean sheet in their last 11 matches across all competitions. Defenders Marc Bartra (out for the season) and world champion Pezzella, as well as Chimy Avila, Cédric Bakambu, and the young Assan Diao (2 goals in 18 matches this season), are sidelined. Pablo Fornals, who joined from West Ham in the winter transfer window, has seamlessly integrated into Pellegrini's system (3 goals, 2 assists) and should start alongside Isco (8 goals, 5 assists) and Ayoze Pérez (8 goals in La Liga). Isco, having scored in his last two matches, is just two goals shy of scoring double digits in a La Liga season for the second time in his career.

Head-to-Head

In the first round, Betis emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. Additionally, the Verdiblancos have won the last three head-to-head meetings.

Match Prediction: Las Palmas - Real Betis

Las Palmas are ending the season in a deep crisis (eight consecutive defeats), and even with home support, they are unlikely to pose a significant challenge to a Betis side motivated by the fight for a Europa League spot. The visitors have been on an excellent run lately, boasting consecutive victories, while Isco has regained his old form and is proving to be a powerful offensive weapon for the Verdiblancos. My prediction is a victory for the Andalusian club.