NOTTINGHAM FOREST kick off their Europa League campaign against Spanish opponents Real Betis at the Villamarin Stadium on Wednesday.
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Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest preview
The wait is over.
It’s been more than 29 years since Nottingham Forest last featured in a major European competition – but they’re back in the big time, kicking off their campaign against La Liga outfit Real Betis.
That last European outing? A 5–1 defeat to Bayern Munich in March 1996.
Of course, manager Ange Postecoglou has far more recent experience in this competition.
It’s been just 126 days since he lifted the Europa League trophy with Tottenham, following a scrappy final win over Manchester United in Bilbao.
Since then, he was shown the door and ended up replacing the man who had guided Forest back into Europe – Nuno Espírito Santo.
Postecoglou boasts an impressive 67% win rate in the Europa League (P15 W10), and he’ll be desperate to improve on that record following an underwhelming start to life at the City Ground.
A comprehensive 3–0 defeat to Arsenal was followed by a Carabao Cup capitulation at Championship side Swansea, and a lacklustre draw against relegation candidates Burnley.
But opening with a win against Real Betis looks a tough assignment.
The Spaniards were losing finalists in last season’s Europa Conference League, and have lost just one of their last 18 major European home games in the group stage (W11 D6).
It’s been a solid, if unspectacular, start to the new season for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. They’ve taken nine points from a possible 15 in La Liga and come into this one off the back of a 3–1 win over Real Sociedad.
Betis are also among La Liga’s joint-third highest scorers, with only Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Villarreal producing a higher expected goals (xG) tally than their 9.1 so far.
Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest preview betting odds
Real Betis 8/7 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
Draw 12/5 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE
Nottingham Forest 11/5 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest preview betting tips and predictions
Goals!
Yes – I think there’ll be plenty.
As mentioned, only Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Villarreal have scored more than Real Betis’ nine goals in six La Liga matches this season, while their expected goals (xG) of 9.1 ranks fourth in the division.
They’re starting to click in attack and should improve further with Antony gaining sharpness and minutes following his permanent return.
As for the visitors, it’s not been the most solid start under Ange Postecoglou. Forest have conceded seven goals in their last three matches, and currently rank fifth in the Premier League for expected goals conceded (xGC).
They may have kept 13 clean sheets in the top flight last season, but this term they’re one of just four Premier League sides yet to record a single shutout.
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First goalscorer and correct score predictions
Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest
First goalscorer: Cucho Hernandez at 5/1 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE
Correct score: 3-1 at 14/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE
Goal OR assist
We’re heading back to William Hill’s enhanced player market for our second tip: Cucho Hernandez to score or assist, available at 11/10.
The 26-year-old Colombian is hitting form at just the right time, having found the net in each of Real Betis’ last two matches – against Levante and Real Sociedad.
Since arriving in Spain, Hernandez has built an impressive record with seven goals and one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions. He’s looked sharp this season too, averaging 3.7 shots per 90 minutes.
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