Expect Betis to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with a double pivot shielding the back four and a creative number ten pulling the strings. They'll look to dominate the ball, work it wide, and get runners into the half-spaces. The full-backs will push high, and with the pace of their wide men, they'll try to stretch Sociedad's back line. The midfield dogfight will be key — Betis's double pivot against Sociedad's expected 4-3-3. If Betis can win that central battle, they'll control the tempo and feed their front men.

Sociedad will likely sit in a mid-block, looking to stay compact and hit on the break. Their 4-3-3 gives them natural width, and they'll look to isolate Betis's full-backs in one-on-one situations. But here's the thing: Betis's full-backs love to get forward, and that leaves space in behind. If Sociedad can spring their wingers early, they could cause problems. But Betis's centre-backs are solid, and with the crowd behind them, they'll fancy their chances in the air. Set pieces could be a factor too — Betis are dangerous from dead balls, and Sociedad's zonal marking has been exploited before.

The game state will likely be Betis on the front foot, Sociedad happy to soak up pressure and nick something on the counter. It's a classic home-team-versus-away-team dynamic, and Betis have the tools to break down a low block. The question is whether they can be patient enough.