Real Betis vs Feyenoord: Preview, Predictions, and Starting Lineups

In a pivotal Europa League match, Real Betis will host Dutch side Feyenoord at La Cartuja this Thursday. As both teams approach the final matchday of the League Phase, this encounter holds significant importance for their aspirations to advance.

Current Standings and Recent Form

Real Betis sits within the top eight but faces challenges to secure an automatic spot in the knockout round. They hold an eighth-place position based on goal difference, having achieved four wins, two draws, and one loss in their seven League Phase matches. However, they recently faced a setback, losing 2-0 to PAOK in Thessaloniki.

Prior to their match against Feyenoord, Betis endured another defeat in La Liga against Alaves, with a last-minute goal from Abde Ezzalzouli not enough to salvage points in a 2-1 loss.

Home Advantage for Betis

Returning to La Cartuja, Betis aims to improve their performance. They have won six of their last eight competitive home games, losing only once and drawing once. Notably, they have scored at least two goals in seven of their last eight home matches, suggesting strong offensive capabilities.

Feyenoord’s Struggles and Recent Performances

Feyenoord approaches this match with a challenging record in the League Phase, currently sitting at 26th place. They have recorded two wins and five losses out of seven matches. Their recent 3-0 victory over Sturm Graz has rekindled hopes for advancing, alongside an impressive 4-2 win against Heracles last Sunday.

Despite their domestic success, Feyenoord’s away form raises concerns. They have lost all three of their League Phase away games and struggled defensively, conceding at least two goals in five of their last six away matches.

Team News and Availability

Real Betis will be without midfielder Sofyan Amrabat for six to eight weeks due to knee surgery. Key players such as Cucho Hernandez, Rodrigo Riquelme, Giovani Lo Celso, Isco, Hector Bellerin, and Junior Firpo will also miss the match due to injuries. However, both Antony and Abde Ezzalzouli are expected to recover in time for the fixture.

Feyenoord faces its own injury woes with several players unavailable, including Gijs Smal, Thomas Beelen, and Gaoussou Diarra. There are doubts surrounding the fitness of Watanabe, Anel Ahmedhodzic, and Luciano Valente, who all suffered injuries in their last game.

Predicted Lineups

Match Prediction

Considering recent performances and home advantage, the match is predicted to favor Real Betis. A scoreline of 3-1 in favor of Betis is likely, given their home form against Feyenoord’s struggles in away fixtures.