Real Betis vs Feyenoord preview: can the underdogs trouble the favourites?

Can Feyenoord, 23rd of 36 with three points, disrupt a Real Betis side that has started the Champions League with two wins?

Favourites in Seville, strugglers on the road

Real Betis welcome the league-phase programme to the Estadio de la Cartuja on Wednesday sitting ninth on six points, with a goal difference of plus two. Feyenoord arrive with three points and a goal difference of minus three, so on paper the gap is wide. That is precisely what makes this fixture interesting for the Dutch side, who have little to lose.

Betis perfect so far, Feyenoord leaking goals

Betis have won both of their matches, one at home and one away, scoring six goals and conceding four. Their home and away fixtures have produced a win apiece, and they have found the net in the second half more often than any other period.

Feyenoord have had a more difficult start. They have scored four times but conceded seven, five of those in a single defeat on the road. Their only win came at home, and the defensive problems will be the first thing their coaching staff addresses before kickoff.

Head-to-head: Betis edged the last meeting

The most recent meeting between the two clubs came in the Europa League in January, when Real Betis beat Feyenoord 2-1. That result gives the Spanish side a psychological edge, although one result from a different competition is hardly a blueprint for Wednesday.

Team news: a heavy injury list on both sides

Betis will be without J. Firpo (groin injury), I. Losada and A. Ruibal (knee injury), which removes depth from the back line and the flanks.

Feyenoord’s problems are far more serious. T. Beelen is out with a broken leg, while J. Bos, B. Nieuwkoop (both knee injuries), R. Nelson (muscle injury), G. Smal (ankle injury) and S. van Persie (knock) are all unavailable. J. Moder is a doubt with a knee problem. With that many absences, Feyenoord will have to rely on a settled spine and disciplined shape to stay in the game.

Our prediction

Real Betis should have enough quality to control the match at home, and their recent attacking form suggests they will create chances against a Feyenoord defence that has been exposed in both games so far. Feyenoord have the spirit to make it competitive, but the injury list makes an upset difficult. Expect Betis to win and to score more than once.

Real Betis 3-1 Feyenoord