Olympiakos vs Real Betis Predictions

Can Real Betis make a mark as they celebrate a return to European football? It’s been four years since they last featured in this competition, and Betis will be looking to mark their incredible domestic progress with a run in the Europa League. However, they meet Olympiakos, the side who dumped out Burnley in the qualifiers earlier this summer. Can the Greek side launch a push for the knockout round in this competition, or will they fall short against the likes of Betis and AC Milan?

The hosts have a long record in Europe, but they haven’t made too many major runs in the competition in recent years. They do have a solid domestic streak behind them, having gone top of the Greek Super League with three wins from three. That solid form is a great springboard ahead of this clash, while their European form was also impressive, beating Premier League opposition at home before securing a draw on the road. That solid aggregate win will raise hopes of them picking up something this week, and making a push for the next round.

Real Betis were excellent in La Liga last term, and they’re among one of the best sides to watch in the competition. They played some brilliant football to contend for the European places, and that has brought them in to this competition, alongside city-rivals Sevilla. Will Betis be able to get a run going as they leap back on the the European stage? The visitors should certainly be worried about this trip, with the hosts in fine form ahead of this clash on Thursday.

Olympiakos have won six of their last seven matches, securing five straight home wins. They have goals in their side, as shown by their 3-1 win over Burnley last month. While Betis have been praised for a great many things, they’re not much of a defensive force. In fact, they finished sixth with a negative goal difference last season, after shipping 61 goals across their 38 matches.

The hosts will be out to take advantage of that. However, Olympiakos couldn’t stop Burnley scoring in either leg of their play-off meeting. The hosts conceded at home at the weekend, and they come in to this clash having seen both teams score in five of their last six games in this competition. That has us backing BTTS here, while we’re also going with a 1-1 draw.