Las Palmas welcomes Real Betis to Gran Canaria for a crucial La Liga encounter on May 16, 2024.
Real Betis is in sixth place, eyeing European qualification, while Las Palmas looks to halt their losing streak and secure mid-table safety.
Match Preview
The Andalusian side has 55 points from 35 matches and sits in sixth place, while the hosts are 14th with 37 points.
Las Palmas was in eighth place with 35 points from 24 matches, poised for a top-half finish in their first La Liga season since 2017-18.
However, Las Palmas have struggled since, losing nine of their last 11 games (D2) after their last win over Valencia on February 10.
In fact, Garcia Pimienta’s team has lost their last eight matches, including a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mallorca on Saturday.
The Las Palmas boss will worry that his side has failed to score in seven of those eight matches, with their only goal in that run coming in last month’s 4-1 defeat to Celta Vigo.
Despite their poor form, the 14th-placed team still has an eight-point cushion from the relegation zone with three matches left against Real Betis, Cadiz, and Alaves.
While they are nearly safe, Las Palmas will hope to end their poor run by beating Betis for the first time since December 2017.
In contrast, Betis comes into Thursday’s game confident after bouncing back from four straight defeats to go unbeaten in five games (W4, D1).
Pablo Fornals, Isco, and Ayoze Perez scored in Betis’s 3-2 win over Almeria on Sunday, moving Manuel Pellegrini’s side into sixth place with three matches left against Las Palmas, Real Sociedad, and Real Madrid.
Los Verdiblancos have an eight-point lead over Valencia and Villarreal in eighth and ninth places, and they will secure European football if they win on Thursday.
While European qualification seems certain, Betis is only one point ahead of Real Sociedad in the fight for a top-six finish and a Europa League spot next season.
After winning their last two away games against Valencia and Osasuna, Betis hopes to win three straight away league games for the first time since January/February 2023.
The first goal will be crucial for the visitors as Los Verdiblancos have lost all four of their La Liga away games where they conceded first this season.
Team News & Updates:
Las Palmas’ defensive lineup may face uncertainties as Daley Sinkgraven and midfielder Maximo Perrone are both questionable for the upcoming match.
After serving a one-match suspension, Sergi Cardona could start in a back four with Alex Suarez, Saul Coco, and Mika Marmol.
Pimienta might bring in fresh players, with Alberto Moleiro, Munir El Haddadi, and Sandro Ramirez in contention to start against Betis.
The visitors remain without the injured Chimy Avila, German Pezzella, Marc Bartra and Cedric Bakambu.
Teen winger Assane Diao will be among the substitutes after returning to training following a two-game injury absence.
Having scored in his last two games, Isco now has eight league goals this season and will aim to continue his good form on Thursday. He is two goals away from reaching double digits for the second time in his La Liga career.
Prediction & Analysis
Real Betis enters the match as favorites due to their recent strong performances, while Las Palmas struggles to turn their fortunes around.
Betis’ attacking trio of Pablo Fornals, Isco, and Ayoze Perez poses a significant threat to Las Palmas’ depleted defense.
We predict a comfortable victory for Betis, exploiting Las Palmas’ defensive vulnerabilities and solidifying their chances of European qualification.
- Las Palmas 0-2 Real Betis
