By Matt Smith
Either side might be seeking to finish their season on a excessive, lifting a trophy in Europe after spectacular seasons domestically. Betis completed sixth in LaLiga, qualifying for the Europa League, whereas Chelsea ended their season within the Champions League locations because of a final-day win over Nottingham Forest.
It’s been virtually 20 years because the two sides confronted one another. Betis and Chelsea went head-to-head throughout the 2005/2006 Champions League marketing campaign.
Group information
Betis might be with out some key gamers heading into this sport, with former Arsenal defender Héctor Bellerín amongst these on the therapy desk. Marc Roca, Diego Llorente, and Chimy Ávila will even be unavailable, whereas Giovani Lo Celso is a doubt.
Chelsea will welcome the return of Nicolas Jackson after his sending off towards Newcastle United noticed him sit out the Premier League run in as a consequence of suspension. Enzo Maresca has typically closely rotated his facet for this competitors, however it will likely be attention-grabbing to see if he goes full energy for the ultimate.
Betis’ defensive solidity has helped them get to the ultimate
The mortgage signing of Antony from Manchester United has helped Betis’ manufacturing within the closing third, but it surely’s their defensive solidity that has helped them attain the ultimate of the competitors. Conceding simply 0.9 objectives per sport, solely bettered by their opponents Chelsea, Betis have been tough to interrupt down in Convention League.
Discovering the again of the web has really been a little bit of a battle for Betis within the competitors. Regardless of creating 24.5 anticipated objectives (xG), the Spanish outfit have scored simply 1.6 objectives per sport.
Chelsea have flown via the competitors
It’s tough to argue that Chelsea haven’t been the most effective facet within the competitors to date this marketing campaign. Scoring extra objectives and conceding fewer than every other crew within the Convention League, Maresca’s facet have been mightily spectacular regardless of closely rotating their squad.
The Blues have additionally averaged extra possession per sport than every other crew, creating essentially the most massive possibilities and essentially the most touches contained in the opposition field.
Nkunku a special animal in Europe
Christopher Nkunku has endured a tough time at Chelsea since his arrival from RB Leipzig, struggling to make an affect within the Premier League. The identical can’t be mentioned for his manufacturing in Europe, offering eight objectives and assists mixed within the competitors.
As talked about, Maresca has absolutely utilised his squad within the Convention League, giving the likes of Nkunku the chance to impress. The French worldwide has flourished in Europe this time period, so he might be the distinction for Chelsea if Maresca continues to belief him.
Prediction
It will undoubtedly be the hardest check Chelsea have confronted to date within the event, and Betis have been in spectacular type. We’re going for a 1-1 attract regular time, with Chelsea lifting the trophy on the finish of the evening.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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