Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Getting their famous Europa League adventure underway on Wednesday night, Nottingham Forest will travel over to Spain when they meet Real Betis.
Real Betis
Starting with the hosts, while Real Betis might have suffered major Europa Conference League heartbreak back on May 28th as they fell to a 4-1 drumming against Chelsea over in Poland, Manuel Pellegrini’s men haven’t shown any signs of a hangover this time around. Last seen over the weekend putting in a thumping performance as they cruised their way to a 3-1 victory at home against Real Sociedad, the one-time Manchester City boss has seen his squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their first six La Liga appearances. However, despite dreaming of the chance to mount another European charge this season, Betis know the importance of claiming some crucial defensive steel. In fact, continuing on from last season, Pellegrini’s side have mustered just a single clean sheet from any of their previous 18 straight matchups across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to the start of April.
Real Betis Team News
Yet to make a single La Liga appearance so far this season, Real Betis will once again be without playmaking talisman Isco on Wednesday night. Likewise, Swiss international Ricardo Rodriguez remains on the sidelines with a recent muscle issue.
While Antony might be waiting to open his account after completing a permanent switch from Manchester United over the summer, the 25-year-old will keep his spot from the start. Notching back-to-back consecutive La Liga strikes, former West Ham star Pablo Fornals will start in the middle of the park.
Nottingham Forest
As for the visitors, parting ways with Nuno Espírito Santo in what was a dramatic fashion earlier in the month, Nottingham Forest have dealt with a major rollercoaster behind the scenes. Although new boss Ange Postecoglou might have guided Tottenham to Europa League success last season, the Australian tactician could have a real job on his hands at the City Ground. Getting his tenure underway with a 3-0 drumming away at Arsenal, Forest have recorded just a single win from any of their first six appearances across all competitions. Suffering an infamous EFL Cup exit away at Championship outfit Swansea last week as they eventually Gell to a 3-2 defeat, Postecoglou’s new squad have also recorded just a single clean sheet since the start of April. Despite getting their famous European return underway on Wednesday night, Forest face a tough challenge on foreign soil.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Once again missing out away at Burnley last weekend, Nottingham Forest are expected to be without Brazilian international Murillo on Wednesday night. Postecoglou’s new side have also confirmed that one-time Chelsea youngster Ola Aina faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
Controversially omitted from Forest’s Europa League squad, big-money summer recruit Omari Hutchinson will not travel to Spain in midweek. Fellow new recruit Arnaud Kalimuendo could be handed the chance to lead the line in Andalusia.
Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest Key Factors to Consider
- Wednesday’s showdown in Andalusia will be the first competitive meeting between Real Betis and Nottingham Forest.
- Postecoglou’s new side have recorded just a single win from any of their first six appearances across all competitions.
- Betis have mustered just a single clean sheet from any of their previous 18 straight matchups across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to the start of April.
- Likewise, 17 of those 18 straight outings have finished with both teams finding the net.
- Former West Ham star Pablo Fornals has registered back-to-back La Liga strikes.
Conclusion
While Nottingham Forest might get their iconic European return underway on Wednesday night, Postecoglou’s new squad should be bracing themselves for a tricky test on foreign soil. Watching Betis pick up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they clinched a 3-1 victory against Real Sociedad, the midweek hosts have gained a reputation for their lively outcomes. Continuing on from last season, Los Verdiblancos have seen 17 of their previous 18 matchups across all formats finish with both teams finding the net.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
