Betis vs Malaga probable lineups: Pellegrini and Funes doubts

The Real Betis and Málaga CF face off this Saturday, October 31, at the 18:30 hours at Estadio de La Cartuja, in a match corresponding to matchday 11 of LaLiga EA Sports.

Predictions from ElDesmarque, Estadio Deportivo, Málaga Hoy, Cadena SER and BeSoccer point to several changes in both teams, with particular attention on Manuel Pellegrini's rotations and Juanfran Funes' decisions in attack.

Real Betis Balompié

The verdiblanco side head into the derby with confirmed absences of Cucho Hernández, injured, and Facundo Bernal, suspended. Junior Firpo has started working with the group, although his involvement remains a question mark.

In goal, there is agreement on Álvaro Valles, while the defense shows differences among the outlets. ElDesmarque opts for Bellerín, Diego Llorente, Natan and Fran García, while Cadena SER has Ángel Ortiz at right back.

In midfield, Marc Roca and Isco are among the players with the best chances of starting. The main doubt is between Dani Ceballos and Pablo Fornals, two options that would allow Pellegrini to adjust the setup of his midfield.

In attack, Antony is again available after recovering from a viral process, while Ez Abde looks set to stay in the starting XI. Cucho's injury leaves Troy Parrott as the main candidate to lead the line.

The closeness of the Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund could influence some of the coach's decisions.

Possible Betis XI (4-2-3-1): Álvaro Valles; Bellerín, Diego Llorente, Natan, Fran García; Marc Roca, Ceballos; Antony, Isco, Abde; Troy Parrott.

Main alternatives: Ángel Ortiz for Bellerín, Bartra for Diego Llorente, Fornals for Ceballos and Riquelme on one of the wings.

Málaga Club de Fútbol

Málaga travel to La Cartuja with the need to secure their first league win. Juanfran Funes has several doubts after the cup victory against Sporting de Alcázar.

In defense, the press mainly agrees on Alfonso Herrero, Carlos Puga, Einar Galilea, Ángel Recio and Rafita, although changes to the system are also not ruled out.

The Málaga coach gets Juan Cruz and Pablo Martínez back, while Murillo, Joaquín Muñoz, Aarón Ochoa and Julen Lobete are among the absences.

In midfield, Ramón Enríquez, Carlos Dotor, Dani Lorenzo and David Larrubia are some of the players with the best chances. Adam Aznou also looks set to repeat after his most recent league start.

The biggest question mark is up front. Cadena SER and BeSoccer back Adrián Niño as the offensive reference, while ElDesmarque considers the possibility of Chupe playing alongside him, forming a pair of attackers.

Possible Málaga XI (4-1-4-1): Alfonso Herrero; Carlos Puga, Einar Galilea, Ángel Recio, Rafita; Ramón Enríquez; Larrubia, Dotor, Dani Lorenzo, Adam Aznou; Adrián Niño.

Main alternatives: Chupe to bolster the attack, Juan Cruz and Pablo Martínez after their recovery, and possible defensive changes.