Real Betis slipped into the danger zone as they were beaten by Levante, meaning los Verdiblancos have got to try and get something from this game.

That is easier said than done when we know that they take on Real Madrid, a team that won last 10 La Liga games.

Real Betis didn’t need a lot of time to prove they deserve to be playing at this level after returning from Segunda, with four opening wins hinting Pepe Mel’s side would have no problems keeping their La Liga status.

The team have experienced a lot of problems since, but every time they would come close to the bottom three, los Verdiblancos would record a couple of wins in a row to stay above the danger zone.

Their latest good run of results ended with the 3-1 defeat to Levante, but Betis don’t have to start worrying just yet as they are now six points clear of the relegation zone.

Pepe Mel’s side cannot be trusted to stop high-flying Real Madrid, but they certainly have what it takes to score at least one goal and odds of 1.62 (5/8) offered by Ladbrokes on Betis to score could be worth a shot.

Brazilian defender Paulao should be fit to play after shaking off a calf injury, but Mario Amaya is definitely out.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Fabrizio – Paulao, Nelson, Dorado, Nacho – Iriney, Benat, Sevilla – Ruben, Molina, Montero.

The game at Benito Villamarin may not have a big significance on Real Madrid’s title chances, but los Blancos are expected to take this game very seriously, mostly because it will be Jose Mourinho’s 100th game as Real Madrid boss.

The Portuguese manager will go down in history as the greatest coach of a Spanish club in first 100 games in charge, as he has 76.7% wins in his first 99 games in charge and everything suggests that percentage will be further improved after this clash.

Having won their last 10 league games, Real Madrid look a good bet at odds of 1.45 (9/20) offered by Sportingbet.

Even with all-important Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow just four days later, Jose Mourinho is not expected to make many changes to his starting line-up.

Pepe returns from suspension, but now Ricardo Carvalho is banned, whereas Angel Di Maria and Fabio Coentrao remain sidelined. Karim Benzema is struggling with a muscle injury and he is unlikely to be risked.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casillas – Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo – Xabi Alonso, Khedira – Ozil, Kaka, Ronaldo – Higuain.