KAA Gent vs Real Betis Prediction

The Europa Conference League returns as the first batch of the knockout playoff rounds begin with Real Betis travelling to Belgium to face off against KAA Gent. A loss in the final match day of the group table stage proved to still be enough for the Belgian side to ensure their route to the next round. While their opponents made sure they got through in style, winning their last two games to ensure safe passage into the knockout playoff stages.

Key Stats

• While Gent may be unbeaten in their last five matches, they have only managed one win across this period
• Similarly, Real Betis have also only managed one win from their last five matches
• Real Betis finished just one point higher than Gent in the league phase of the Conference league

Team Previews, Form and Standout Players

Wouter Vrancken’s side have struggled to find their footing in their recent matches and lacking ruthlessness. The Belgian side have collected four draws across their last five matches and are dangerously close to dropping out of their Championship round position. Their last game saw them struggle against relegation-bound Mechelen, with a 90+4 winner earning Gent a point from this game. Competing in their third consecutive Europa Conference league, KAA Gent will need to turn it up if they want to be the one of the only Belgian teams to have success in Europe.

In a similar fashion, Real Betis have also found their last run of fixtures to be difficult, with the Green and Whites only victorious once over the last five matches. Celta Vigo were the most recent team to extinguish Betis, with the Sky Blues coming from two goals behind to win the match 3-2.

KAA Gent Preview

Formation: 3-5-2

Predicted Line-Up: Roef; Kotto, Torunarigha, Gabor; Brown, Gandelman, Ito, Kums, Samoise; Vanzeir, Guðjohnsen

Coming off the bench to score a recovery goal in their last match, Andri Guðjohnsen scored his first goal since transitioning to the club and may look to make an impact in the European tournament. Suffering defeat on their last match day of the Conference League, Gent must make sure they can pick themselves up to ensure they can get the momentum for the second leg.

Real Betis Preview

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-Up: Adrian; Rodriguez, Natan, Llorente, Perraud; Roca, Cardoso; Ezzalzouli, Isco, Antony; Ávila

Since making his move to Real Betis from Manchester United, Brazilian winger Antony has adapted to Spansih football with a bang, collecting back-to-back man of the match performances and getting his first goal since September. Veteran Isco will definitely be the player to watch as his ability on the ball has been a sight to see throughout his career. Pellegrini’s side have been poor in their last few matches and hopefully he can encourage his side to ensure they do not make the second leg more difficult.

Head to Head Stats

This game will be the first time these two sides will have faced off against each other.

Betting Tips

Real Betis have a better structure and work the ball well which Gent may struggle to diffuse over 90 minutes of football. However, the Belgian side defence has performed well so far in the league and will hope they can hinder them in the first half.

Our betting professionals suggest that HT Draw, FT Real Betis is the best value tip for this match. With odds at 4/1, a bet of £10 could see a return of up £50

(odds subject to change)

Final Prediction: KAA Gent vs Real Betis

KAA Gent 0-2 Real Betis