La Liga Betting: Another win for Sevilla, more woe for Betis

Dan Fitch is expecting Sevilla to win again on Monday night, but doesn't think their rivals Real Betis will fare so well, as he previews the La Liga action...

Ocampos inspiring Sevilla

Levante 5.90 v Sevilla 1.62; The Draw 4.20
Monday 15 June, 18:30
Live on LaLigaTV

Sevilla got off to the perfect start when La Liga returned on Thursday night, as they beat their local rivals Real Betis in El Gran Derbi.

It was a game that Sevilla always looked in control of, even if Betis did have plenty of possession and created a number of chances. Sevilla just had more of a cutting edge, thanks largely to the performance of Lucas Ocampos.

Much was expected of the Argentine when he broke into the River Plate side as a teenager and made a big money move to Monaco. Instead he became something of a traveller, moving on to Marseille, where there were loan spells with Genoa and AC Milan. Still only 25, he now needs to have found a home at Sevilla, where he has been excellent this season.

Ocampos gave Sevilla the lead from the spot, which meant that he has now scored in five consecutive La Liga matches. He had earlier hit the woodwork and moments after scoring, created the second with an inspired back-heeled flick from a corner, which presented a chance for Fernando to head home.

As a result of that win, third placed Sevilla have strengthened their grip on Champions League qualification for next season and they can thank Levante for helping them out. Levante travelled to seventh placed Valencia on Friday and went a goal down in the 89th minute, only to win a penalty and equalise a minute later.

The draw saw Levante move up to 34 points. Relegation is becoming an increasingly distant threat and they can instead focus on trying to force their way into the top half of the table.

Levante have the ability to make this tough for Sevilla, though ultimately the quality of the visitors should tell. Back Sevilla to win and both teams to score at 3.20.

Granada too big given form

Real Betis 2.04 v Granada 4.00; The Draw 3.50
Monday 15 June, 21:00
Live on LaLigaTV

Betis will be looking to bounce back from that defeat to Sevilla, but they may find that task tough against Granada.

There was no real urgency from Betis in their derby match, until they found themselves 2-0 down. The introduction of Joaquin late in the second-half and his subsequent impact, left you to wonder why Rubi left it so long to bring on the gifted veteran.

Betis will certainly need something extra when they take on Granada, who pulled off a smash and grab against the fancied Getafe to claim three unexpected points. Granada were a goal down for much of the match, only for an error from the Getafe goalkeeper to result in an own goal from Djene Dakonam. Carlos Fernandez scored the winner for Granada eleven minutes from time.

That win means that Granada are unbeaten in their last five La Liga matches (W3 D2). It's been a great return to the top flight so far for the promoted club and they look too big against a side that they are eight points clear of in the table.

Granada are 1.88 to simply avoid defeat in the Double Chance market and with Betis showing no signs of being at their best against Sevilla, that seems like good value.