Two teams at opposite ends of the Europa League Group C table are set to clash on Thursday night as Real Betis, the current leader, play host to bottom-placed Aris Limassol.
Despite the disparity in their positions, only three points separate the two teams, highlighting the significance of the upcoming match in the fourth game week of the competition.
Match Preview
Following an initial defeat to Rangers in the group stage, Real Betis bounced back with consecutive victories in the Europa League, propelling them to the top of the group halfway through the stage.
Holding a two-point lead over their nearest rivals, Real Betis is keen to widen the gap and secure another triumph in the upcoming match, building on their recent win against Aris Limassol in the competition.
The Spanish side faced tough opposition during their last encounter, securing a solitary goal by Ayoze Perez in the 75th minute.
Despite this, they’ve demonstrated formidable attacking prowess in other competitions, notably achieving a resounding 12-1 victory over Hernan Cortes.
Aris Limassol will need to be cautious of Real Betis’ offensive capabilities, particularly given their defensive struggles in the Europa League.
Having conceded more goals than any other team in their group, Aris Limassol must address their -1 goal difference to stay competitive.
However, following their loss to Real Betis in the reverse fixture, Aris Limassol rallied with back-to-back victories, carrying valuable momentum into the impending matchup.
Aleksey Shpilevsky’s squad notably triumphed over Rangers in the second game week, showcasing their competitiveness in every match.
Real Betis Europa League form: L W W
Real Betis form (all competitions): D D W W W W
Aris Limassol Europa League form: L W L W L
Aris Limassol form (all competitions): L L W L W L
Team News
Perez is expected to pose an attacking threat for Real Betis, likely starting on the wing, while Willian Jose aims to make his mark in the Europa League.
Isco’s creative play in the attacking midfielder role is anticipated to generate scoring opportunities.
However, Real Betis faces a substantial injury list, with Borja Iglesias, Marc Bartra, Youssouf Sabaly, and Nabil Fekir all sidelined.
Meanwhile, Yannick Gomis shoulders the goal-scoring responsibility for Aris Limassol, having been their primary threat across all competitions this season .
Possible Starting Lineups:
Real Betis:
- Bravo;
- Bellerin, Pezzella, Riad, Miranda;
- Rodriguez, Roca;
- Diao, Isco, Perez;
- Willian Jose
Aris Limassol:
- Vana;
- Boakye, Yago, Moucketou-Moussounda, Urosevic;
- Struski, Szoke;
- Bengtsson, Gomis, Mayambela;
- Babicka
Prediction: Real Betis 3-1 Aris Limassol
The previous encounter was closely contested, but Real Betis’ home advantage may prove decisive. The Spanish side’s attacking prowess is likely to tip the scales in their favor, potentially posing a challenge for Aris Limassol.