The first leg of this Copa del Rey quarter-final could be an open affair as two teams that struggle for clean sheets meet at the RCDE Stadium
Espanyol got the better of Villarreal in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey to set up a well-matched quarter-final against Real Betis.
The hosts are five points worse off than their visitors in La Liga this term, but 888Sport go 11/8 (2.38) that they secure victory on Thursday evening.
Betis have had mixed fortunes on the road this term although they do boast a 4-3 win over Barcelona at Camp Nou from November and there’s firepower aplenty in Quique Setien’s squad. They're a 39/20 (2.95) shot to come out on top in this first leg encounter.
The draw is often a popular play in such situations due to the fact neither team will want to risk too much, but at 9/4 (3.25) it's the outsider of the three match odds outcomes.
Part of the reason the draw is the biggest price is the expectation of action in the final third. Over 2.5 goals is priced at 22/25 (1.88) and that looks the best route to take in this one.
Espanyol are on a dismal run of form domestically, they've lost seven of their last eight La Liga outings, conceding 20 goals along the way but this competition offers them fresh hope of success.
The 3-1 win over Villarreal in the previous round was one of their best showings of recent weeks and the home side should be able to find some joy going forward, although it looks unlikely that Rubi’s side will be able to contain their free-scoring visitors.
Betis have kept just two clean sheets in their last 10 competitive matches on the road but the last time they drew a blank in an away game was back in late October.
Furthermore, their previous five have all gone over 2.5 goals with four of those going over the 3.5 line too.
The visitors to score two or more is an interesting option at 8/5 (2.60) but the main selection should be over 2.5 goals at 22/25 (1.88) at RCDE Stadium with 888Sport.