Conference League | League Stage

Dec 19, 2024 at 8pm UK

Estadio Benito Villamarin

Betis vs.HJK Helsinki

Match preview

Betis have had mixed fortunes in the Conference League, winning two, drawing one and losing two of their matches.

Los Verdiblancos got off to an unconvincing start, losing 1-0 away to Legia Warsaw before being held to a 1-1 draw by FC Copenhagen on the second matchday.

While they picked up a win at home to Celje, Betis were soon stopped in their tracks by Mlada Boleslav, squandering a narrow lead to lose 2-1 in the Czech Republic.

Having taken four points from as many games, the Andalusian side picked up a crucial win in Moldova last week, Cedric Bakambu scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory over Petrocub that lifted Betis to 17th, three points clear of 25th.

Betis are now on the verge of securing a place in the knockout rounds, although they are no longer in contention for a top-eight finish and a place in the last 16.

Although they only need a point to secure a place in the last 24, Betis will be fancying their chances of taking all three points after winning three of their last four competitive games, including a 2-1 win away to Villarreal with 10 men on Sunday.

After being knocked out of the group stage last season, HJK will have their work cut out if they are to avoid another early exit from the Conference.

The Finnish side are one point off the qualifying places after winning one, drawing one and losing three of their five league games.

Toni Korkeakunnas' side bounced back from a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Lugano with a narrow 1-0 win over Dinamo Minsk on the second matchday.

However, they were unable to build on that success and lost consecutive European games against Olimpija and Panathinaikos without finding the back of the net.

At least they avoided a third straight Conference defeat last week at home to Molde, with Lee Erwin halving a two-goal deficit before substitute Kai Meriluoto grabbed an injury-time equaliser.

HJK know they need another win to have a realistic chance of breaking into the top 24, but that may be easier said than done given they have failed to win any of their last four competitive away games.

Recent Performance

Real Betis Conference League form:WLDWLW

Real Betis form (all competitions):LLWDWW

HJK Helsinki Conference League form:WLWLLD

HJK Helsinki form (all competitions):LLWLLD

Team News

Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini will be without the services of Rui Silva, Hector Bellerin, William Carvalho and Nobel Mendy due to injury.

Pablo Fornals could be in contention for a place in the matchday squad after returning to training following a seven-match injury absence.

Chimy Avila was shown a straight red card in the recent La Liga win over Villarreal and with the striker suspended for Sunday's league clash with Rayo Vallecano, he is likely to retain his place in the starting line-up for Thursday's home game.

For the visitors, Hassane Bande and Brooklyn Lyons-Foster are both pushing for a starting berth after coming on as half-time substitutes against Molde.

Bande could get a start on the flank, while Lyons-Foster could start in a back four with Giorgos Antzoulas, Daniel O'Shaughnessy and Noah Pallas.

Erwin will lead the line for the visitors, with the Scottish striker looking to add to the 11 goals he has scored since joining HJK in the summer.

Possible starting lineup

Real Betis possible starting lineup:

Adrian; Ruibal, Llorente, Natan, Rodriguez; Cardoso, Flores; Diao, Avila, Rodriguez; Bakambu

HJK Helsinki possible starting lineup:

Nijhuis; Lyons-Foster, Antzoulas, O'Shaughnessy, Pallas; Bande, Kokcu, Lingman, Kanellopoulos, Hostikka; Erwin