Preview: Real Betis vs. HJK Helsinki – prediction, team news, lineups
Sports Mole previews Thursday’s Europa League match between Real Betis and HJK Helsinki, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
With a place in the last 16 already secured, Real Betis looking to maintain their unbeaten record Europa League when they are welcome HJK Helsinki For Estadio Benito Villamarin.
The visitors finish bottom of Group C in Andalucia, but will be motivated to record their first win of the competition.
Match preview
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Betis have made light work of the Europa League group stage, winning four and drawing one of their five matches to secure top spot and a place in the last 16.
Los Verdiblancos took maximum points from both of their meetings with Ludogorets, while four points from their two games against a high-quality Roma side secured the group’s winning gallop.
Although they have achieved their goal of progressing to the last 16, Manuel Pellegrini challenges his team to remain professional as they try to maintain their unbeaten record in this season’s Europa League.
The hosts will also want his side to claim a third straight win in all competitions to build momentum ahead of Sunday’s El Gran Derbi against local rivals Sevilla.
Betis have never lost in any of their 11 home group stage matches in the Europa League and after beating HJK 2-0 in the reverse fixture, they are confident of another positive result on Thursday.
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Los Verdiblancos have enjoyed a successful European campaign so far, but HJK have struggled to get out of the starting group in the group stage.
After beating Betis and Roma comfortably, the Finnish team managed to pick up their first point in the group stage with a 1-1 draw against Ludogorets.
That proved to be their only result in the group stage so far, as they lost 2-0 in the reverse fixture against the Hungarians, while they were beaten by Roma last week, ensuring they finish bottom of Group C. .
Their European campaign may come to an end on Thursday, but HJK will be desperate to record a win before exiting the competition.
If they are to pull off a surprise win, they will need to improve on their final third after failing to find the net in each of their two away group games.
Real Betis Europa League Form:
Real Betis form (all competitions):
HJK Helsinki European League format:
HJK Helsinki format (all competitions):
Team news
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Betis can’t call Juanmi, Victor Camarasa, Luiz Felipe due to injury problems Joaquin and Guido Rodriguez also miss out.
Pellegrini’s main priority is Sunday’s derby with Sevilla and as a result he will make big changes to Real Sociedad’s victorious side.
You like Claudio Bravo, Victor Ruizand William Jose is among those coming into the lineup, and Pellegrini could potentially deliver Quique Fernandez and Juan Cruz their first starts with the club.
As for visitors, they will be left without services Valtteri Moren and Roope Riskwith the pair currently sidelined with injury.
Although HJK are already relegated, Thursday’s game is their last game of the season, and as a result Toni Koskela is expected to name a similar lineup to the one that started against Roma.
After coming off the bench at half-time against the Italian, Malik Abubakari will lead the line of visitors.
Possible starting line-up for Real Betis:
Bravo; Ruibal, Gonzalez, Ruiz, Miranda; Akouokou, Fernandez; Henrique, Cruz, Sanchez; Jose
HJK Helsinki possible starting line-up:
Wrong; Peltola, Halme, Hoskonen; Soiri, Lingman, Vaananen, Browne; Hetemaj, Hostikka; Abubakari
We say: Real Betis 3-0 HJK Helsinki
Although Betis are resting several key players, we still believe they will cruise to a comfortable win over HJK to maintain their unbeaten record in the Europa League.
To analyze the most likely results, score points and other information for this match Click here.
Top tip
Our expert tip partner at Sporita.com predict under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they predict for this game and more of their proven football tips.Below 3.5:data