La Liga 2025-2026: Real Betis-Elche, the probable formations

Liga day continues at 8 p.m. at the Stadio de La Cartuja, where Real Betis hosts Elche in a match with heavy points at stake. Pellegrini’s team aims to secure fifth place, which this year is worth a historic return to the Champions League, by trying to maintain its four-point lead over Celta Vigo. However, the green-and-whites will face a highly motivated opponent, namely Eder Sarabia’s Elche, who despite their excellent form, are on 39 points, with third-last place only two points away. So it will not be a walk in the park for the hosts, as the guests desperately need to get a result to avoid being sucked into the relegation zone right at the very end.

Pellegrini comes up with a very proactive team. Between the posts is Valles, protected by a defense that sees Bellerin and Rodriguez on the flanks with the Llorente-Gomez pair in the center. In the midfield, Marc Roca will act as a screen in front of the defense, supported by Fornals and Altimira. The brunt of the attack is entrusted to the trident composed of Antony, Hernandez and Ezzalzouli.

Sarabia responds with a very compact and denser formation in the middle of the field. Dituro will lead the back section composed of Bigas, Affengruber and Chust. The five-man midfield will see Aguado, Febas and Villar act centrally, with Valera and Morente ready to cover the entire midfield. Up front, room for the attacking pair of Rodriguez and Silva.

The likely lineups

Real Betis (4-3-3): Valles; Bellerin, Llorente, Gomez, Rodriguez; Fornals, Roca, Altimira; Antony, Hernandez, Ezzalzouli. All. Pellegrini.

Elche (3-5-2): Dituro; Bigas, Affengruber, Chust; Valera, Aguado, Febas, Morente, Villar; Rodriguez, Silva. All. Eder Sarabia.