Atletico Madrid v Real Betis
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-Betis have won at the Vicente Calderon in two of their last three visits. During the 2011/12 La Liga campaign, Pepe Mel’s boys won 2-0.
-In Seville, Atletico ran out 4-2 winners when these two last met earlier this season.
-However, Atletico, it must be said, were playing against ten men for most of the second half – and Betis were 2-1 up at the interval.
-Staggeringly, in all competitions, Atleti have won every game they’ve played on home soil in 2012/13.
-It hasn’t been confirmed, but Falcao and Ruben Castro are expected to lead the line for their respective clubs.
-In the 2011/12 La Liga campaign, Betis won 2-0 at the Vicente Calderon.
-Only Barcelona, with ten out of ten, have won more La Liga away games this season than Betis, who have emerged victories in six out of nine clashes.
Conclusion:
It’s a perfect home team vs a very good away side – and the second placed La Liga team against the fourth. Atletico will likely come out on top, but haven’t been overly impressive recently, with Falcao far from his best.
Betis have a good record here, though, and I’m willing to take a chance on a handicap bet. Betis, as the away team in a first leg cup game, will be happy to draw.
Finally, for those who like over 2.5 and BTTS betting, both should prove to be winning bets if Falcao and Castro start.
Worth a punt: Betis + 1.25 Asian handicap (2.0)
Worth a small punt (if he starts the game): Ruben Castro anytime scorer (4.33)
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