Betis vs Celje prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-11-06 20:00.
[p]The third matchday of this season’s UEFA Conference League sees La Liga’s Real Betis take on Slovenian side Celje. Having failed to earn a victory so far in the league phase (D1, L1) and sitting in the bottom 12, this game is now almost a must-win affair for Betis if they want to keep their hopes of progression alive in their debut campaign in the competition.[/p]
[p]However, after a slow start to 2024/25 as a whole, Betis have turned things around, and Manuel Pellegrini’s men prepare for this contest currently enjoying a five-match unbeaten streak (W3, D2). They’ve even managed improvements in their away form, recovering from the disappointment of successive losses to Legia Warsaw and Sevilla in the derby at the start of October to go three games on the road without tasting defeat (W2, D1), while having conceded more than one goal on just one occasion in their last ten such encounters.[/p]
[p]Many Spanish fans will recognise Celje manager Albert Riera, who played for Mallorca and Espanyol in La Liga. His side have made a mixed start to the Conference League this term (W1, L1), but after bringing the Counts to their first group stage in the competition, Riera remains adamant that his men will cause problems, stating in the build-up: “Don’t expect a bus; we want to be a thorn in Betis’ side.” [/p]
[p]A 1-0 reverse to Slovenian PrvaLiga leaders Olimpija in their last outing won’t do too much for confidence, but perhaps Riera’s record might. He only lost once to Betis in six La Liga H2Hs (W2, D3) during his playing days, and with his current side on a four-match away losing streak in UEFA competition, avoiding defeat once again could be key to their hopes of a first-ever progression from the league or group stages in Europe. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Some rotation might be expected in the Betis ranks, but Abde Ezzalzouli will be looking to continue his impressive European form, having struck three times across Los Verdiblancos’ last three such outings (including qualifiers). Meanwhile, Celje’s Edmilson scored a hat-trick in his side’s last away encounter, while three of his last four goals arrived after the 75th minute.  [/p]
[p]Hot streak: Betis haven’t conceded a first-half goal in their last six matches.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Luke Bridle[/i][/p]