Real Madrid are aiming to bounce back from another disappointing draw when they host Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday night.

After only managing to take a point from their opener with Mallorca, Los Blancos were held to another frustrating draw on Thursday evening by Las Palmas. While they did secure a 3-0 win over Real Valladolid last weekend, they already find themselves off the pace as they aim to defend their La Liga crown.

Kylian Mbappe is still awaiting his first domestic goal for Madrid but Vinicius Junior opened his account for the season from the penalty spot against Las Palmas midweek.

Real Betis secured their spot in the Conference League while Madrid were drawing in the Canary Islands on Thursday. In the league, the Andalusian outfit have managed just two draws to date, most recently drawing a blank in a goalless encounter with Deportivo Alaves.

Here is 90min’s guide to Real Madrid vs Real Betis.

Real Madrid vs Real Betis H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Real Madrid’s stuttering start is unlikely to be helped by an injury to Jude Bellingham. The England international missed clashes with Valladolid and Las Palmas with a muscle problem and is unlikely to return until the end of September.

David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga are still missing for Carlo Ancelotti, while Jesus Vallejo is a major doubt for Sunday’s clash after missing the last two outings.

After fielding an alternate double act down the right flank against La Palmas, Ancelotti will likely restore Rodrygo and Dani Carvajal to the starting XI. Arda Guler could come in for veteran Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric.

Real Madrid confirmed lineup vs Real Betis (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Guler, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe.

Former Real Madrid maestro Isco could well miss out on a return to the Bernabeu this weekend, which would be a major blow for Betis. He is yet to play this season due to an ankle injury.

Forward Cedric Bakambu is sidelined for the journey to the capital, while young centre-back Nobel Mendy is also on the treatment table. Ex-Barcelona defender Marc Bartra missed the win over Kryvbas midweek and is a doubt for Sunday, as is Chimy Avila due to illness.

Betis begin life without influential playmaker Nabil Fekir at the Bernabeu, with the Frenchman having joined United Arab Emirates outfit Al Jazira Club.

Real Betis predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Silva; Sabaly, Llorente, Natan, Rodriguez; Carvalho, Roca; Fornals, Juanmi, Ezzalzouli; Ruibal.

Former Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini will harbour hopes of securing an impressive result on Sunday night, with the Chilean coach having overseen four draws with the 15-time European champions across the last five meetings.

However, despite a slow start to the new campaign, Madrid flexed their attacking muscles in their opening home game of the season against Valladolid, and sooner or later Mbappe is going to spark into life for the Spanish giants. That could well be this weekend against a tired Betis backline.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Real Betis

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