Betis vs HJK prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-12-18 20:00.
[p]Real Betis have turned their form around ahead of the festive period, avoiding defeat in their past four matches across all competitions (W3, D1), a run bookmarked by this weekend’s win at Villarreal (2-1) despite playing for nearly an hour with ten men. That run also includes a win in the UEFA Conference League last week at Petrocub (1-0), a result which took their tally to seven points in this competition, putting them just a point away from securing a place in the play-offs.[/p]
[p]Although mathematically still possible, a top-eight finish is unlikely, so assuring themselves of a play-off will be Betis’ primary aim against HJK Helsinki. HJK are the only side Los Verdiblancos have faced from Finland, and the two Europa League wins by a combined aggregate score of 5-0 for the Spanish side back in 2022/23 should certainly inspire plenty of confidence.[/p]
[p]HJK are in a more precarious position than their hosts after a poor showing in the competition so far (W1, D1, L3), leaving them a point adrift of the play-offs ahead of matchday six. Owing to their poor goal difference, only a win will realistically do for HJK, who are being hindered by a lack of competitive action with their domestic league having finished back in October.[/p]
[p]The Finnish side at least ended a two-match losing run in this competition by drawing 2-2 with Molde on matchday five, but their struggles in this competition are a continuation of some uninspiring form on all fronts. Across all competitions, HJK have managed just one win from their last ten matches (D3, L6), while they’re yet to win against a Spanish side in European action (D1, L3). [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Giovani Lo Celso is available for selection again after missing the win over Petrocub through suspension – he scored in both La Liga games either side of that and against Mladá Boleslav on matchday four before being dismissed. HJK will hope that Lee Erwin can build on his strike against Molde last time out, with that goal ending a seven-match scoring drought.[/p]
[p]Hot streak: Betis have scored in second-half stoppage time in each of their last three home games.[/p]
[p][i]Written by David H[/i][/p]