Verdict: Pablo Fornals over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who face their own must-win showdowns on Thursday night, Real Betis will welcome Feyenoord to Spain for their final Europa League group stage battle.
Real Betis
Starting with the hosts, left frustrated last week as they eventually fell to a disappointing 2-0 loss away at Greek outfit PAOK, Real Betis have plenty of pressure on their shoulders when they return to Andalusia here. Clinging onto the final spot in the top-eight chase, Manuel Pellegrini’s men will be desperate to officially punch their knockout stage ticket with a statement of intent. However, failing to claim an immediate boost over the weekend as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Alaves, the one-time Manchester City boss is searching for some essential stability. Getting the New Year underway with a 5-1 drumming at the hands of Spanish icons Real Madrid, Betis have won just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions and they have also failed to muster consecutive La Liga wins since the start of October.
Real Betis Team News
Dealing with another injury setback after picking up an ankle issue against Utrecht on November 27th, Spanish international Isco remains on the sidelines. Likewise, last just seven minutes away at PAOK last week after sustaining a muscle injury, former Tottenham star Giovani Lo Celso will miss out on Thursday night.
Forced to settle for a spot on the bench away at Alaves on Sunday, ex-Leeds defender Diego Llorente could be handed a full recall. Enjoying what has been a stellar domestic campaign this season, former West Ham ace Pablo Fornals will feature in midweek.
Feyenoord
As for the visitors, while Feyenoord might have claimed a much-welcomed boost over the past week, Robin van Persie still has some serious pressure on his shoulders in Rotterdam. Heading over to Spain on Thursday night sat two points adrift of finding a route into the play-off places, the former Arsenal striker is searching for a major Europa League miracle here. Winning just a pair of their seven European appearances this season, the Dutch giants have also shown some extended defensive issues. Coming under even more scrutiny earlier in the month as they fell to an action-packed 4-3 defeat at home against bitter local rivals Sparta Rotterdam, van Persie’s side have remarkably recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 17 straight matchups across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to October 19th.
Feyenoord Team News
Dealing with what is a stacked injury list, Feyenoord will travel to Andalusia on Thursday night without the likes of Thomas Beelen, Gaoussou Diarra, Malcom Jeng, Gijs Smal, Gernot Trauner and summer recruit Shiloh Zand. Likewise, former Brighton ace Jakub Moder remains on the sidelines with a long-term back issue.
Finding the net against Strum Graz last week and notching a maiden Europa League strike, ex-Porto starlet Goncalo Borges will be handed a full recall here. Former Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic will start at the heart of van Perside’s defence in Spain.
Real Betis vs Feyenoord Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Andalusia will be the first meeting between Real Betis and Feyenoord.
- Betis have won just a pair of their previous six appearances across all formats.
- However, Pellegrini’s side have won their last three appearances in Andalusia by an aggregate score of 8-1.
- Thursday’s guests have won just a pair of their seven Europa League matchups this season.
- Feyenoord have remarkably recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 17 straight matchups across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to October 19th.
Conclusion
Opening their group stage finale clinging onto their spot in the top-eight, Real Betis will be desperate to officially punch their knockout stage ticket with a statement of intent. Despite their extended struggle on the road, Pellegrini’s camp will certainly be excited to make a return to Andalusia in midweek. Winning their previous three showdowns in Seville by an aggregate score of 8-1, Los Verdiblancos will be confident of exploiting a leaky Feyenoord defence on Thursday night.
Verdict: Pablo Fornals over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Luckster
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