Real Betis v Levante

Real Betis v Levante
Monday, 20:00

he Monday night game might not look too thrilling at first glance, but it should be worth tuning in to witness the next stage of a fascinating developing project at Real Betis. Los Verdiblancos stunned Real Madrid in midweek, of course, but that was no mere flash in the pan: they have been playing some lovely football, perhaps best typified by a glorious team goal in the defeat to Villarreal a fortnight ago.

Credit here goes to coach Quique Setién. The 58-year-old, who made Las Palmas one of the division's most compelling teams to watch during his two years on Gran Canaria, is one of the game's aesthetes, favouring technical bravery and intellect over brute force. His team talk before the Madrid game - "Don't stress. Be calm, especially with the ball" - said it all.

Betis are still a work in progress and Setién teams can blow hot and cold, but they are worth backing against Levante. The newly-promoted side have made an unbeaten start and were impressive against Real Sociedad in the week, but their current position (fifth at the start of the weekend) owes much to the fact that four of their first five games have been at home. They won just seven of 21 away games in Segunda last term and may find the going tough here.

Recommended Bet
Back Real Betis to win at 1.83