Atl Madrid – Betis

Atletico Madrid will hope to claim victory in this Saturday afternoon La Liga clash, as a win can get them back in the title race, depending of the result of Barcelona – Real Madrid later on.

Curently second in the standings, 9 points behind Barca and 1 point ahead of Real Madrid, Atletico obviously has a minimum chance to fight for the title – but as long as they are in the race, they will try to do it. The hosts suffered a big blow last round, losing 1-2 at Sporting Gijon. It was just the second defeat in all competitions in 2016 for Atleti and a surprising result considering that Simeone’s side was coming after 4 successive wins in La Liga, along with qualifying over PSV in the Champions League.

Betis Sevilla is on the back of two consecutive losses, 1-3 at San Mames against Athletic Bilbao and 0-1 at home to Malaga. Betis has played pretty well in the last two months or so, but the recent two performances were disappointing and sent the team back in the relegation mix – even though they are still pretty safe on the 13th place, 6 points above the danger zone.

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Team news & lineups:

Atletico Madrid will be without Godin and Gimenez, so they will have to field an unusual center back pairing. Tiago is also out, while Carrasco is doubtful. Betis will have to do without Picinni and Vargas.

Atletico Madrid: Oblak – Juanfran, Savic, Hernandez, Luis – Koke, Gabi, Fernandez, Niguez – Torres, Griezmann

Real Betis: Adan – Montoya, Westermann, Pezzella, Molinero – Ceballos, N’Diaye – Kadir, Musonda, Damiao – Castro

Atletico will be eager to claim a win in this early Saturday game and then wait for the El Clasico later on, to see how they stand. It`s a crucial game for the hosts – a win will either give them a shot at the title or a 4 point advantage over Real Madrid for the second place. As such, I expect Atleti to be focused and play at their best level right from the start.

Even with the new look center back pairing of Savic – Hernandez, Atletico should have too much for Betis at home. The visitors are a decent side, but nothing to shout about and their recent form has been suspect. My tip is Atletico Madrid to win with a 1 goal asian handicap. Prediction: Atletico Madrid – Real Betis 2-0.

Pick: Atletico Madrid (-1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.65 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 5.20
Event date: 2 April