Spanish side Real Betis will welcome English club Nottingham Forest tomorrow in the UEFA Europa League at Estadio de La Cartuja. Real Betis did a great job last season, collecting 60 points from 38 matches in La Liga. They had been dreaming of winning their first European trophy earlier this year when they played in the UEFA Conference League final. But they lost the final by 4-1 against the English club, Chelsea FC.
Now, Real Betis are all set to start their journey in the UEFA Europa League with the match against Nottingham Forest. The Forest was also in a good rhythm last season in the English Premier League, collecting 65 points from 38 games. They were only four points away from the top four. But this season has been a disaster for Nottingham Forest under the new manager, Ange Postecoglou. The Forest have won only one of their first five league games and lost two. But the manager believes that this tournament is different from the Premier League and hopes to do well.
Postecoglou said, “I think what’s really important is that you treat this as a standalone tournament. It’s very different from the Premier League and it challenges you in different ways and we need to embrace that. If you expect to roll in after a Premier League game, I don’t think that’s the way it works. I’ve had experience in this competition and we’ll make sure the lads are ready for every unique challenge that’s before us.”
Stats & Facts
- Real Betis have never faced Nottingham Forest before. However, Real Betis have lost seven of their previous nine matches against English clubs in European competitions.
- Real Betis have lost only one of their last 18 home games in the group stage of European football.
- This is the very first European game for Nottingham Forest since they lost to FC Bayern Munich in 1996.
- Nottingham boss Ange Postecoglou won the UEFA Europa League last season with Tottenham Hotspur. He has a 67% win ratio in this competition.
Team News
Former Real Madrid player Isco has been a key player for Real Betis. But the midfield maestro will miss the match against Nottingham Forest due to an ankle injury. Pablo Garcia is also unavailable since he joined the U20 squad of Spain to play the World Cup. Diego Llorente, Ricardo Rodriguez, and Nelson Deossa are also uncertain since they all have injury issues.
As for Nottingham Forest, Nicolas Dominguez and Ola Aina will miss the game due to their respective injury. Defender Murillo is also in doubt, but Postecoglou will wait for him until the last moment.
Possible Lineup for Real Betis:
Valles; Bellerin, Bartra, Natan, Firpo; Fornals, Altimira; Antony, Lo Celso, Ezzalzouli; Cucho
Possible Lineup for Nottingham Forest:
Sels; Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Morato; Luiz, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Prediction: Real Betis 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Neither team is in a good rhythm this season. Real Betis will have the home advantage, and a 3-1 win against Real Sociedad in their last game will give them the momentum. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have failed to win any of their last five games in all competitions, including 3 defeats. Therefore, it will be difficult for the English side to beat Real Betis tomorrow away from home.
Betfair Odds
Real Betis: 2.15
Draw: 3.60
Nottingham: 3.23
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