Real Betis vs Roma Predictions & Match Preview

Real Betis vs Roma predictions and match preview for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League fixture. Read on for analysis and predicted lineups as Betis aim for a fourth straight win in this competition.

Real Betis vs Roma Preview

Real Betis are hoping to complete a famous European double over Roma this week. They claimed a late victory at the Stadio Olimpico last week to the delight of their travelling legion of fans and the Benito Villamarin should be rocking here as Jose Mourinho’s side make the return trip.

Luiz Henrique’s 88th minute header in Rome ensured Betis are in firm control of this group with their 100% record in this competition remaining. They could win the group on Thursday night and that will be the aim now with sides that come 1st advancing into the last 16 whereas the runners-up would have to get through a play-off in February.

Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping to get that job done as quickly as possible which would enable him to put more of his resources into domestic matters where they have slipped up in recent weeks. They’ve not helped themselves though with 1st Half red cards in Vigo and Valladolid on successive weekends leaving Betis battling with 10 men, although they did at least manage to grind out a 0-0 draw at the weekend at the Jose Zorrilla.

The boot was on the other foot for Roma, who benefited from playing against 10 men for over an hour on Sunday night in Serie A at home to Lecce. They still made quite hard work of it, but won the game 2-1 thanks to a penalty from summer signing Paulo Dybala.

The Argentine was also on target from the spot against Betis last week and continues to be Roma’s main attacking weapon. Jose Mourinho will be without Nicolò Zaniolo here though after the 23 year old saw red in the 1st Leg. He did leave some of his other big names out in the weekend league game though so the likes of Tammy Abraham and Nemanja Matic should be fresh to come into the side for a game Roma really need to win.

Possible Lineups

Score Prediction: Betis 1-1 Roma

Betis impressed last week in Rome, despite losing Nabil Fekir early on to an injury and they will feel as though they were good value for the win. It should help breed confidence ahead of this one at the Benito Villamarin where they’ve won every game this season. Roma will come with a point to prove though and it should be another close game. Betis are capable of winning but may ultimately decide to settle for what would be a good point given the current standings in the group.

PLEASE NOTE – Our European predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish teams playing in Europe. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.