Real Betis vs Espanyol Preview: Predictions, Team News, Lineups
Espanyol will search for their first win of 2026 on Saturday when they travel to face Real Betis. The visitors sit 11th in La Liga, four points adrift of sixth-placed Celta Vigo. Real Betis occupy fifth, three points clear of the side below them.
This Real Betis v Espanyol preview includes predictions, team news and possible lineups. The piece summarizes form, injuries and a likely outcome ahead of the weekend match.
Recent form and context
Real Betis booked a Europa League quarter-final spot with a 4-0 win over Panathinaikos on March 19. Manuel Pellegrini’s side will meet Braga in the last eight, with the first leg in Portugal next week.
Betis returned from the international break after a 2-1 league defeat to Athletic Bilbao. In 29 La Liga games this season they have 11 wins, 11 draws and seven defeats, totaling 44 points.
The Seville club have collected 25 points from 14 home league matches. They have lost just three times at home this season. Earlier in the campaign they beat Espanyol 2-1 and they have won the last four meetings.
Espanyol showed strong form in the first half of the season. Their 2026 form has been poor. They have not won this calendar year.
Their most recent victory came on December 22, a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao. Since then they have played 12 La Liga fixtures, with eight defeats and four draws. Espanyol lost 2-1 to Getafe before the break, and their last away match finished 2-1 to Mallorca.
Form strings read as follows. Real Betis in La Liga: W D D L D L. All competitions: D L L D W L. Espanyol in the league: D L D D L L.
Team News
Real Betis will be without Isco and Angel Ortiz due to injury. Giovani Lo Celso is doubtful for the weekend encounter. Antony is the club’s top scorer, with 12 goals in all competitions.
Cucho Hernandez has 11 goals and is expected to lead the attack. Cedric Bakambu is likely to start on the bench. Betis should stick to a settled core despite the absences.
Espanyol will miss Javi Puado long term. Defender Fernando Calero faces a late fitness test before selection. Charles Pickel is suspended and unavailable.
Kike Garcia is Espanyol’s top scorer with eight league goals. He is expected to start ahead of Roberto Fernandez in attack.
Possible lineups
- Real Betis: Lopez; Bellerin, Llorente, Natan, Rodriguez; Antony, Fornals, Roca, Amrabat, Ezzalzouli; Hernandez
- Espanyol: Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Riedel, Cabrera, Romero; Lozano, Zarate; Dolan, Exposito, Terrats; Garcia
Prediction
Real Betis arrive as favourites. Their home form and recent head-to-head advantage are persuasive.
Filmogaz.com predicts a 2-0 win for the Seville side. Espanyol’s winless run looks likely to continue this weekend.
