Our experts provide top predictions, odds, and betting analysis for Sevilla vs Real Betis in La Liga on 12/03/2023.
Sevilla still searches for solutions under Diego Alonso, while Villarreal appears to have found a spark with Marcelino, a factor that could prove decisive in this clash between two clubs navigating a challenging season.
- Double Chance: Draw or Villarreal – 1.80 at bet365
- Half with most goals: Second half – 2.00 at bet365
- All-Time Scorer: José Luis Morales – 3.75 at bet365
All odds courtesy of bet365, correct at time of publication and subject to change.
A rejuvenated Villarreal faces Sevilla
The two teams arrive at this Sunday meeting with even numbers, both settled in the lower half of the table with 12 and 15 points respectively, noting that Sevilla has played one game fewer.
Yet the mood in the locker rooms is markedly different. Diego Alonso’s squad recently suffered a painful 2-3 exit from the Champions League after a 2-0 lead vanished, with Lucas Ocampos’ sending off cited as a turning point in the tie against PSV Eindhoven.
Sevilla has endured five straight winless matches and 11 defeats in their last 12 outings, save for a 3-0 win at Quintanar. The has-been season is compounded by several injuries and players in recovery, along with suspensions that include two defensive anchors such as Sergio Ramos and Jesús Navas.
In contrast, Villarreal has won all three matches since Marcelino’s arrival, one victory in each competition. The Castellón club has only two losses in its last nine matches, both against league leaders Athletic Club and Atlético de Madrid, which provides a reason for optimism heading into the Sánchez-Pizjuán duel.
Second halves under Marcelino
Villarreal fans have learned quickly that life with Marcelino on the bench is not for the faint of heart.
The run began with a late, extra-time win over Zamora, followed by a hard-fought win against Osasuna where four goals came after the break. Thursday brought a tense finish in Panathinaikos, where a 3-0 loss in Europe was overshadowed by a dramatic 3-2 in the final half hour.
With ten of the twelve goals across those three matches arriving after halftime, it’s tempting to predict the second period as the one most likely to produce goals, a pattern that also appeared in the last four visits to the Sánchez-Pizjuán.
While Sevilla has suffered important setbacks, Villarreal seems to be gaining ground in that area as well, especially with the injury of a key striker like Alexander Sörloth allowing José Luis Morales to step forward.
M Morales has delivered a season full of highlights: three goals in a row, a crucial cup double, a La Liga hat-trick, and the decisive Europa League strike. His consistency makes another late contribution a real possibility, keeping him on the radar for goal bets in this fixture.
Source: Goal