Real Madrid will be looking to record their first La Liga win of the new season when they head to Seville this weekend to take on Real Betis.
Los Blancos started their 2020-21 campaign with a goalless draw at Real Sociedad on September 20, while Betis have recorded two wins from their two league games this term to sit second in the table.
Match preview
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Betis have made an impressive start to their 2020-21 season, opening with a 1-0 victory at Alaves on September 13 before recording a 2-0 home success over Real Valladolid last weekend.
Nabil Fekir and William Carvalho were both on the scoresheet against Valladolid at Estadio Benito Villarmarin, and the home side will be looking to put their third straight victory on the board this weekend.
There is no getting away from the fact that Betis struggled in Spain's top flight last season, finishing 15th in the table, only five points above the bottom three.
Manuel Pellegrini was appointed head coach of the Seville outfit in July, though, and the team are now entering a new era under the management of the experienced South American.
Betis are actually unbeaten in their last three league games with Madrid, while they recorded a 2-1 victory when the two teams met in the corresponding match last season.
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Madrid, as mentioned, made an underwhelming start to their domestic season last weekend, sharing the points with Sociedad at the Anoeta courtesy of a goalless draw.
The match was the team's first since losing to Manchester City in the last-16 stage of the Champions League on August 7, and it is important that they get up to speed in the league as soon as possible.
Los Blancos were stunning in the latter stages of last season, winning nine of their final 10 league matches to finish at the summit, five points clear of second-place Barcelona.
The financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic has prevented Madrid from making any major signings during this summer's transfer window, but head coach Zinedine Zidane will hope that Martin Odegaard can take on a big role for the team this season following his return from Real Sociedad.
The capital giants will certainly be looking to put three wins on the board against Betis, Valladolid and Levante before the international break kicks in next month.
Real Betis La Liga form: WW
Real Madrid La Liga form: D
Team News
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Betis will again be without the services of Dani Martin, Victor Camarasa and Francis Guerrero through injury, while Andres Guardado remains a doubt for the home side.
Fekir picked up a knock against Valladolid, which led to his withdrawal in the second period, but the Frenchman should be fit to continue in the starting XI this weekend.
It would not be a surprise to see Pellegrini select the same side that started last weekend, with Joaquin and Sergio Canales also supporting Fekir and Borja Iglesias in the final third of the field.
As for Madrid, Zidane could again be without a number of key players, which was also the case against Sociedad.
Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio have both made progress in their recoveries from ankle and knee injuries respectively, but it seems unlikely that either player will be in the starting XI on Saturday night.
Mariano Diaz is definitely out as he recovers from tonsil surgery, but Eder Militao, Isco and Lucas Vazquez could all be involved in some capacity, having stepped up their recoveries on the training field.
Odegaard is also available after a coronavirus scare, but the Norway international could drop out of the XI for this match, allowing Casemiro to feature alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in midfield.
Karim Benzema, meanwhile, should again lead the line with support from Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, although Isco would be an option for one of the forward positions if he can prove his fitness.
Real Betis possible starting lineup:
Bravo; Emerson, Mandi, Bartra, Moreno; Rodriguez, Carvalho; Joaquin, Canales, Fekir; Iglesias
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius
We say: Real Betis 1-2 Real Madrid
Betis have been impressive in the early stages of the new season, while their recent record against Madrid is strong. Los Blancos will be determined to put their first victory of the campaign on the board, though, and we just fancy the champions to edge a tight affair in Seville.
