Prediction: Real Betis vs Celtic

Prediction: Real Betis win

Best Odds: 13/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Europa League is back in our lives once again as all 32 teams remaining in the competition begin their group stage journey. The pot system regularly ensures that we get a good grasp of who the favourites are once the groups are actually drawn, and sometimes, it also gives us games between some of the big boys across the continent. Within the context of this competition, we’d say the upcoming Real Betis vs Celtic showdown should be pretty enthralling.

Real Betis

Real Betis are starting to emerge as legitimate contenders when it comes to making a sustained push for the top four in La Liga and they’re doing so with one of the most intriguing squads in the nation. From experience to an influx of youth there’s a really nice blend within what Betis are trying to accomplish and if they can keep building on that in the coming months and years, seeing them in Europe will become a formality.

Team News

Bartra was forced off through injury at the weekend and will miss out here with Sabaly and Lainez both being fitness doubts for this one.

Celtic

Celtic were outright embarrassed by local rivals Rangers in the league last season and they didn’t fare a whole lot better in Europe, marking the first campaign in a long time in which they were considered to be the afterthought club – or, perhaps more cruelly, the laughing stock. They’ve been able to somewhat bounce back in the last couple of months but it’s safe to say there’s still an awfully long way to go.

Team News

McGregor and Abada have both been ruled out with Taylor, Furuhashi, Jullien and Forrest all serving as fitness concerns for the visitors.

Factors to Consider

• Real Betis finished 6th in La Liga last season whereas Celtic finished 2nd in the Scottish Premiership.
• Real Betis have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Celtic have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Real Betis have scored 13 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Celtic have scored 15 goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

We can see this being an entertaining game and, to that end, probably one of the most entertaining encounters of the group stage. Celtic know how to put up a fight on the European level and while they may usually do so at home, we expect them to give Betis as good as they get in the first hour or so. Alas, after that we envisage Betis taking over and really sticking it to Celtic, eventually proving themselves as the superior side out of the two.

Prediction: Real Betis win

Best Odds: 13/20

Bookmaker: 888sport