Prediction: Real Betis to win 2-1
Rangers and Real Betis will lock horns with each other in UEFA Europa League Group C this week. The match between the Scottish Premiership club and the La Liga outfit will be held at Ibrox and is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time on Thursday.
Rangers
Rangers are one of the biggest clubs in Scotland and have a massive following. And they have started to make an impact in Europe as well. While the Gers could not impress in the UEFA Champions League last season, the campaign before they reached the final of the UEFA Europa League.
Michael Beale’s side have been drawn in UEFA Europa League Group C along with Real Betis, Sparta Prague and Aris Limassol. The winners of the group will advance straight to the Round of 16, while the runners-up will end up in the knockout round playoffs. The team that finishes third will drop down to the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Betis are the clear favourites to win Group C, and Rangers will be determined to finish second. The Gers will need a big result against Betis on Thursday and must not lose if they want to win the group. The Gers will head into the match against the Spanish club at Ibrox on Thursday evening on the back of a 2-0 victory over St. Johnstone away from home in the Scottish Premiership.
Team News:
Rangers manager Michael Beale will not be able to call upon the services of Todd Cantwell. The midfielder has been ruled out with a knee injury. Steven Davis and Kieran Dowell are on the sidelines as well because of injury concerns. Abdallah Sima could start for the Gers.
Real Betis
Real Betis are one of the biggest and most established clubs in La Liga. They have experience playing in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League and have some wonderful players. Claudio Bravo, Marc Bartra, Hector Bellein, Marc Roca and William Carvalho are some of the well-known players they have.
Betis are the favourites to win UEFA Europa League Group C. The La Liga club will fancy their chances of finishing ahead of Rangers, Sparta Prague and Aris Limassol. It would be a surprise if they do not win the group in the end.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side will head into the match against Rangers this week on the back of a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Barcelona away from home in La Liga. It came after a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano at home in the league and followed a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Athletic Bilbao away from home in La Liga.
Team News:
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is fit and is likely to start against Rangers at Ibrox. Andres Guardado has recovered from an ankle injury, defensive midfielder William Carvalho has got over his thigh problem, and Aitor Ruibal has been passed fit after an appendicitis operation.
Key Factors to Consider
- Rangers have won 3 of their last 6 competitive games.
- Rangers have lost 2 of their last 6 competitive games.
- Real Betis have lost 2 of their last 6 competitive matches.
- Real Betis have won 2 of their last 6 competitive games.
- James Tavernier has scored 4 goals and given 1 assist in 9 matches for Rangers.
Conclusion
Rangers do have a good team and are at home for their Europa League game, but Real Betis do have a better side and play in a better and more competitive domestic league. While the La Liga club are unlikely to coast through the game, they could end up with a narrow win and all three points.
Prediction: Real Betis to win 2-1
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