Real Betis v Nottingham Forest – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The hosts lost last season’s Conference League final whilst Forest are back in continental competition for the first time in 30 years.

Real Betis Form

Real Betis finished sixth in La Liga last season despite scoring just 57 goals. They lost the Conference League final 4-1 to Chelsea having led 1-0 after 60 minutes. They’ve taken nine points from six league matches so far this season. After a 1-1 draw at Elche on the opening day, they beat Alaves 1-0 at home.

A 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo saw Betis produce just 0.33 xG. They lost 2-1 at home to Athletic Bilbao with just 0.62 xG created. The team has improved since then. A comeback from 2-0 down at Levante saw a 2-2 draw with 28 shots at goal. On Friday, they had 21 shots and 2.25 xG in a fine 3-1 home win over Real Sociedad.

Real Betis Team News

Coach Manuel Pellegrini has four injuries for this match. Isco’s absence is a big blow with the Spain international yet to feature this season. Veteran left back Ricardo Rodriguez is absent with Junior Firpo set to start.

Nelson Deossa is not available in midfield and fullback Aitor Ruibal is also injured. The XI will be packed with EPL experience in Antony, Pablo Fornals, Hector Bellerin, Giovani Lo Celso and many others.

Real Betis Motivation

Pellegrini is an adaptable coach. He can set his side up to play defensively, or use an exciting, pressing style.

Motivation to do well in Europe again will be huge. They will look to win this opening match and won’t settle for a draw at any point.

Nottingham Forest Form

Forest had an outstanding 2024-25 season, winning 19 league matches and finishing seventh in the EPL table. They went into round 38 knowing that a win would secure Champions League football. A 1-0 loss to Chelsea made it five defeats in the final nine league matches.

They began this term with a 3-1 win vs Brentford and a 1-1 draw vs Crystal Palace. A 3-0 home loss to West Ham saw three goals leaked after the 83^rd minute and it led to Nuno Espirito Santo being sacked. Things have not started well for Ange Postecoglou with a 3-0 loss at Arsenal, a 3-2 League Cup at Swansea and a 1-1 draw at Burnley last time out.

Nottingham Forest Team News

There are two confirmed absentees for this match. Ola Aina is out with a severe hamstring injury and Nicolas Dominguez will play no part after knee surgery. Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to play at left back.

Murillo is a doubt in central defence. A full-strength lineup is expected here. Callum Hudson-Odoi should replace former Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa and Ange Postecoglou may bring back Ibrahim Sangare in midfield.

Nottingham Forest Motivation

Forest will be highly motivated for their first European campaign in 30 years. Ange Postecoglou won this trophy last year and will take the competition very seriously.

The Greek-Australian coach favours an attacking, possession style. However, he may go to Spain and be a little more circumspect as a draw would be a great result.

Key Stats

• Real Betis have won just 2 of their last 12 matches (7 draws, 3 losses)
• Real Betis have seen Both Teams Scoring in 17 of their last 18 matches
• Nottingham Forest have lost 8 of their last 15 matches
• Nottingham Forest have drawn 2 of their last 4 away matches

Verdict

A good game awaits, with goals likely. Both teams are backed to score in a draw.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score at 1.60
Value Bet: Score draw at 4.33