Betis vs Málaga – News and Probable Lineups

Real Betis will be looking to get back to winning form in Spain’s top division as they welcome Malaga to their home ground on Saturday evening.

The club from Seville heads into the fixture following a goalless draw with Celta Vigo in La Liga, while Malaga comes off a 3-0 victory over Alcazar in the first round of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.

Match overview

Real Betis has made a strong start to the 2026-27 season, recording six wins, two draws, and two losses in their 10 league games, placing them fourth in the La Liga standings with 20 points, trailing the leaders Barcelona by seven points.

However, Manuel Pellegrini’s squad has only managed to secure one point from their last two outings, having suffered a 5-2 defeat to Barcelona prior to the 0-0 stalemate with Celta last time around.

Additionally, Real Betis has shown commendable form in the Champions League this campaign, gathering nine points from their three matches, which places them in fifth position in the overall rankings.

The team from Seville will resume their European campaign next week against Borussia Dortmund, followed by La Liga matches against Elche and a Copa del Rey tie with Navalcarnero before the international break.

Real Betis holds the upper hand in their all-time head-to-head record against Malaga, with 11 victories compared to Malaga’s eight, alongside seven draws from their previous 26 encounters across all competitions.

Malaga has faced defeat in each of their last four matches against Real Betis, with their last win over them occurring back in March 2016.

The White and Sky Blues have actually been unsuccessful in five of their last six encounters with Real Betis. It has been a challenging beginning to the 2026-27 season for the promoted side, though they will approach this game following a 3-0 win against Alcazar in the Copa del Rey.

Juan Francisco Funes’ team recently drew 1-1 with Alaves in La Liga, and they are still seeking their first league win of the season.

Currently, with no wins, five draws, and five losses from their 10 matches, Malaga has accumulated just five points, placing them at the bottom of the table.

The White and Sky Blues earned promotion back to this level through last season’s Segunda Division playoffs and appear set to be in a fierce battle against relegation this term.

Team News

Real Betis will likely be without Junior Firpo and Cucho Hernandez due to injury, but Facundo Bernal returns to the squad after serving a suspension.

Changes are expected in the lineup that faced Celta for the first whistle, with Pablo Fornals and Troy Parrott both likely to be included.

Isco should maintain his position in the number 10 role for the Seville team, while Antony is anticipated to fill the right-sided position.

On the other hand, Malaga continues to be without Juan Cruz, Julen Lobete, Pablo Martinez, Joaquin Munoz, Diego Murillo, and Aaron Ochoa due to injuries.

Chupe scored two goals off the bench in the Copa del Rey last time and is expected to be reinstated into the starting XI here.

Moreover, Adrian Nino should start again as the central attacker, having tallied four goals in six La Liga appearances this season.

Real Betis probable starting XI:

Valles; Ortiz, Llorente, Nathan, Gomez; Fornals, Ceballos; Antony, Isco, Ezzalzouli; Parrott

Malaga probable starting XI:

Blacksmith; Puga, Recio, Galilea, Rafita; Enriquez; Larrubia, Dotor, Lorenzo, Chupe; Child

Malaga has the ability to pose a challenge for Real Betis, but the home advantage is anticipated to assist Pellegrini’s squad in securing three crucial points this weekend.