Real Betis vs Olympiakos Predictions

This Thursday’s clash between Real Betis and Olympiakos comes from Group F of the Europa League, which has somewhat predictably developed into a 3-horse race between these two clubs and AC Milan. This is a huge game in the context of the group. Victory would see Betis qualify and would leave Olympiakos needing a big result in their final game against the Italian giants.

Betis have taken this competition very seriously this term, at times at the detriment of their league form. They are currently down in 14th in La Liga but they have had a real tendency to rise to the big occasion. They’ve already claimed famous wins at Camp Nou and the San Siro and they are yet to lose in Europe with their 4 group games yielding 8 points so far.

Olympiakos are a point further back with their only defeat coming away to Milan. They have been in decent form of late though, with 6 wins from their last 7 in all competitions. That includes two victories over Luxembourg minnows Dudelange to throw themselves back into contention in this group but they will be well aware that they almost have to get something from this one to retain a realistic shot of qualification going into the final match-day. Defeat would leave them needing to beat Milan by at least two goals in Athens on the assumption that the Italians beat Dudelange at the San Siro this week which seems inevitable.

These teams virtually cancelled each other out in the reverse fixture which ended in a cagey 0-0 draw. This game could also be a very tight one. Betis are possession masters and will be content to keep the ball here and frustrate their opponents. While they know a win would see them through, a draw would also leave Betis in a very strong position in that they’d only need to see off pointless Dudelange in their final game to qualify. Therefore Betis will not take any big risks here and if things are all square heading into the final ten minutes they are more likely to settle for a point.

The same may go for Olympiakos to some extent. They’d then just need to beat Milan to qualify on the final match-day rather than worry about any head-to-head situations. In the form they are in and with only 3 goals conceded in their last 7 matches, the Greeks look capable of getting something here. Betis are the clear bookies favourites but they’ve blown hot and cold in truth this term and have only won 3 of their 8 home games in all competitions.

Given that backing Olympiakos Double Chance looks good while going for the Draw could also be worth a punt as it might just suit both coaches here.