Ludogorets vs Real Betis predictions and match preview for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League fixture. Read on for analysis and predicted lineups as Manuel Pellegrini takes his team to Bulgaria.
| Date | Thursday 27th October 2022 |
| Kick-Off | 19:45 (local time) |
| Stadium | Ludogorets Arena |
| Competition | UEFA Europa League |
Ludogorets vs Real Betis Preview
Real Betis are in Bulgaria this Thursday looking to secure top spot in their Europa League group with a game to spare. 2nd placed Ludogorets provide the opposition with the Spanish team needing just a point to book their place in the last 16 of the competition in the spring.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men did the hard work with 4 points from their 2 games against Roma on matchdays 3 and 4. Luiz Henrique’s late winner at the Stadio Olimpico ensured that Betis took firm control of the group before the two sides drew the reverse clash in Seville. That left Betis on 10 points from 4 games and ensured them a top two finish in this group.
1st is so much better than 2nd though as it effectively acts as bye through the play-off round in February. Betis were 3-2 winners when they hosted Ludogorets earlier in the group and they hold a 3 point advantage on the Bulgarian side heading into this. However a 2 goal win for Ludogorets would see them leapfrog Betis and take top spot on head-to-head, although they do have a significantly tougher final day fixture.
Betis have been dealing with some selection issues of late and were missing a number of key players from their starting XI in the 2-1 weekend defeat against Atletico Madrid. They did at least get to use Nabil Fekir off the bench with the Frenchman on target but unable to inspire a fightback as Betis lost at home for the first time this season.
They will have seen enough from Ludogorets already to know this is not going to be an easy game. The Bulgarians beat Roma 2-1 at home on matchday 1 and gave a pretty good account of themselves at the Benito Villamarin. They are currently 2nd in the Bulgarian top flight and it’s 4 straight wins in all competitions for the Razgrad based team including a 2-0 victory over HJK Helsinki in their last Europa League outing.
Possible Lineups
Ludogorets: Padt – Cicinho, Verdon, Nedyalkov, Gropper – Piotrowski, Cafumana – Tekpetey, Cauly, Rick – Tisser (4-2-3-1)
Betis: Bravo – Ruibal, Felipe, Pezzella, Miranda – Carvalho, Rodriguez – Rodri, Canales, Joaquin – Willian Jose (4-2-3-1)
Score Prediction: Ludogorets 2-2 Real Betis
Ludogorets have proven themselves to be a capable side that can push the teams from the bigger leagues having netted twice against Betis in Spain and twice at home to Roma. Betis are a bit short on attacking midfield options right now and may struggle to bag maximum points here but they ought to still have enough depth to get the draw they need to seal top spot in the group with a game to spare.
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.
