Real Betis vs HJK Prediction - Conference League

In the final round of the Conference League, Real Betis faces HJK Helsinki at Estadio Benito Villamarín on 19 December 2024. Kick-off is at 20:00. Real Betis, favored to win with odds of 1.15, sits 17th in the standings with 7 points. They are on a good run, notably defeating Villarreal 2-1 in their last game. Betis aim to finish the group stage on a high and secure qualification.

Despite recent setbacks, such as the narrow 1-0 loss to Panathinaikos, HJK, positioned 29th with 4 points, can still cause an upset. The weather forecast predicts moderate rain and temperatures around 5°C, adding an unpredictable element to the match. Our recommended bet is for Real Betis to win by at least -2.25 goals (Asian Handicap), reflecting their superiority and recent form. Expect a solid performance from Betis in front of their home fans.

Real Betis vs HJK Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting tip: Real Betis -2.25 (Asian Handicap)

We recommend betting on Real Betis with a -2.25 Asian Handicap. This reflects their b home performance and apparent superiority over HJK Helsinki.

Reasons for this prediction:

• Home Advantage: Real Betis are playing in front of their home fans at Estadio Benito Villamarín, a significant boost.
• Superior Form: Real Betis have won three of their last five games, indicating b form.
• Previous Encounters: Real Betis have convincingly beaten HJK in their last encounters, highlighting their dominance.

Real Betis vs HJK Odds

When looking at the betting odds for the upcoming match, it’s clear that Real Betis are the firm favourites. As the bookmaker’s favourites, Betis have received much shorter odds given their better form and home advantage.

Real Betis Team Analysis

Real Betis have been in solid form recently, with a string of positive results in their last five matches:

In their recent five matches, Betis have managed to score an average of 1.60 goals per game, showing a decent offensive ability. They’ve also kept one clean sheet in their last five outings, indicating they can be resilient at the back when needed. Their ability to draw with Barcelona recently speaks to their potential to compete against the opposition.

Real Betis Key Players

For Real Betis, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli has been notable, leading as the top scorer with one goal. Vitor Roque, positioned upfront, is also key in providing attacking thrust. Real Betis’ ability to secure significant results has often hinged on these performances. Key individual battles will feature Vitor Roque against HJK’s Georgios Antzoulas. Ezzalzouli’s creativity and pace will be paramount in breaking down HJK’s defense. Expected lineup for Real Betis:

• Goalkeeper: Francisco Vieites
• Defenders: Youssouf Sabaly, Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente, Romain Perraud
• Midfielders: Johnny Cardoso, Sergi Altimira, Ezequiel Avila, Giovani Lo Celso, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli
• Forward: Vitor Roque

Real Betis Suspensions & Injuries

Real Betis will be missing several crucial players for this match due to injuries, which could significantly impact their performance. Notably, midfielder William Carvalho is dealing with a cruciate ligament injury and is not expected to return until mid-March 2025. Marc Roca’s knee injury may see him return in late December 2024, while Hector Bellerin and Pablo Fornals are doubtful. Nobel Mendy and Rui Silva are also sidelined. Here is the list of injured players and their expected return dates:

No suspensions have been reported for Real Betis at this time.

Real Betis Tactics and Formation

Real Betis Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Predominantly 4-2-3-1 in recent matches, showing consistency in their approach.
• Attacking Focus: With Abdessamad Ezzalzouli as the top scorer (1 goal), the attacking impetus will likely come from his contributions along with Vitor Roque leading the line.
• Midfield Dynamics: The duo of Johnny Cardoso and Sergi Altimira provide stability and creativity, supporting both defense and attack effectively.
• Defensive Setup: Led by Marc Bartra and Diego Llorente, the backline has one clean sheet in their last five games, showing mixed defensive stability.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on maintaining possession and quick transitions, especially against weaker opposition like HJK.

Expect Betis to dominate the midfield and aim for an early breakthrough to control the game in front of their home fans at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

HJK Team Analysis

HJK’s recent form has been a mixed bag, reflecting their struggles in the Conference League. Their last five games reveal a single win, one draw, and three losses, indicating serious inconsistencies.

• Recent Form: DLLLW
• Average Goals Scored in Last 5 Games: 0.80
• Clean Sheets in Last 5 Games: 1

Their most recent match against Molde ended in a 2-2 draw, showing some attacking promise but also defensive fragility. Prior losses against teams like Djurgaarden and Panathinaikos highlight their vulnerabilities, especially away from home.

HJK Key Players

HJK will be relying on the contributions of their key players to make an impact against Real Betis. With Liam Moeller being both their top scorer, having netted 1 goal, he will be crucial in midfield battles and creating opportunities. Up front, Lee Erwin will aim to leverage any chances to disrupt the Real Betis defense. In the middle of the park, Lucas Lingman and Giorgios Kanellopoulos provide stability and might need to curb the influence of Betis’ playmakers like Giovani Lo Celso. Expected lineup for HJK:

• Goalkeeper: Thijmen Nijhuis
• Defenders: Miska Ylitolva, Georgios Antzoulas, Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Noah Pallas
• Midfielders: Lucas Lingman, Liam Moeller, Ozan Kokcu, Giorgios Kanellopoulos, Santeri Hostikka
• Forward: Lee Erwin

HJK’s key individual battles will be crucial if they are to challenge Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

HJK Suspensions & Injuries

HJK appear to be fortunate in terms of player injuries and suspensions for their upcoming match against Real Betis. There are currently no reported suspensions or injuries affecting their squad. This clean bill of health means coach Toni Koskela can field his best available lineup, which might be a crucial factor as they aim to secure a positive result against a tough opponent.