Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Hungary
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
United Arab Emirates

Preview: Real Betis vs. Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 12 December 2023, 16:02
Real Betis welcome Rangers to Andalucia in an enticing matchday six encounter in the Europa League on Thursday.

Both sides can still win the group and go directly through to the last 16, but the two are also in danger of elimination, with Sparta Prague waiting to pounce.

Match preview

In the only group where no side has yet sealed their place in the knockouts, everything is still to play for, but at least one of these sides will seal their spot in the Europa League in February here.

Betis lead the way, but they can still finish third, as they are just a point ahead of Rangers, and two ahead of Sparta.

Their current advantage means Manuel Pellegrini's side only need a point to progress, and having now gone unbeaten in 14 European home games - winning nine - that looks a distinct possibility.

A draw will also see Betis win the group as long as Sparta do not beat Aris Limassol by three or more goals, as it will go down to goal difference with the sides level on head-to-head.

However, a defeat for the hosts will likely see them eliminated, unless Sparta fail to win in Cyprus, meaning they would then edge through in second, so they must ensure there are no more slip-ups on the continent here.

Pellegrini has oversaw just two defeats in 18 matches, but they both came in Europe, going down away at Rangers and Sparta.

Betis kept their fine unbeaten domestic run going by drawing 1-1 with Real Madrid at the weekend, and while they are a long way off the top four, they remain in the hunt for the minor European places again.

Superb domestic form should also give Rangers serious hope in this trip to Southern Spain, as they are 13 games unbeaten.

That run started in Steven Davis's final game in caretaker charge, and new boss Philippe Clement has made an immediate impact since replacing Michael Beale.

As well as taking their hopes of progression in Europe down to the final matchday, Clement has also led Rangers to a cup final, and they have closed the gap on Celtic to five points, with a game still in hand.

However, the only notably poor result since the Belgian's arrival was a 1-1 draw with Aris on matchday five, as a win would have sealed their place in the knockouts.

Their superior head-to-head record over Sparta could still be important with just one point separating the sides, and both playing away this week, but Rangers will believe they may need a result here to go through.

That could be tough considering they have not won on any of their last 12 trips to Spain though, and it was in this city where they lost in the final of this competition just 18 months ago.

Real Betis Europa League form:

L

W

W

W

L

Real Betis form (all competitions):

D

W

L

D

W

D

Rangers Europa League form:

W

L

D

W

D

Rangers form (all competitions):

W

D

D

W

W

W

Advert - content below:

Team News

Injuries have decimated the Betis midfield ahead of this clash, with Nabil Fekir and William Carvalho both out, and key man Guido Rodriguez struggling with an ankle injury.

Rodriguez was already an absentee with suspension though after picking up his third booking of the group stage last time out, but Hector Bellerin will be available after serving a domestic ban.

Defensive issues are mounting too though, with both Marc Bartra and Youssouf Sabaly on the sidelines currently, and players unavailable due to registration restrictions.

Sergi Altimira and Chadi Riad both started the last two games, and Sokratis Papastathopoulos is the next choice to come in at the back, but none are in Betis's Europa League squad, so will not feature here, with Altimira's absence likely to mean Marc Roca will be needed in midfield and therefore unable to fill in at centre-back.

Rangers have a substantial number of absentees themselves ahead of this clash, with midfield trio Tom Lawrence, Ryan Jack and Nicolas Raskin all missing.

Striker Danilo is also out injured, so Cyriel Dessers is set to start up front again after scoring in the win over Dundee at the weekend.

Jose Cifuentes was sent off in that weekend win, but his suspension will only be served in their next domestic outing, so he should start here.

Ross McCausland was superb in the second half of their draw with Aris, scoring the equaliser while causing headaches for the Cypriot defence after coming off the bench.

The youngster started the following two games, and played 45 minutes at the weekend, so he could well come back into the side here.

Real Betis possible starting lineup:

Rui Silva; Aitor Ruibal, Pezzella, Juan Miranda, Abner; Marc Roca, Guardado, Isco; Diao, Borja Iglesias, Ezzalzouli

Rangers possible starting lineup:

Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Barisic; Lundstram, Cifuentes, Cantwell; McCausland, Desserts, Sima

We say: Real Betis 1-0 Rangers

Despite major injury concerns ripping apart much of the Betis squad, their home form has been superb in Europe, and they should get the result they need to win the group.

Previews by email
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Eintracht Frankfurt 'leading race to sign Manchester United's Donny van de Beek on loan'
Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly regarded as the frontrunners to sign Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Roma vs. Sheriff Tiraspol - prediction, team news, lineups
Only victory can help Roma secure a direct route to the Europa League's last 16, as they host Sheriff Tiraspol in Thursday's Group G finale.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Premier League at risk of losing Champions League place?
The Premier League is seemingly at risk of losing an extra Champions League spot that has previously been perceived to be a foregone conclusion.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
What Newcastle need to qualify for UCL last 16 as Toon end group of death
Newcastle know their Champions League last-16 hopes are out of their hands ahead of their game against AC Milan.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea speed up plans to sign goalkeeper in January?
Chelsea reportedly hold an interest in signing a new goalkeeper during the January transfer window.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
Zinchenko singles out 'amazing pro' Arteta brought in for special training
Oleksandr Zinchenko has heaped praise on Arsenal's set piece coach Nicolas Jover, calling him 'an amazing person'.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Mauricio Pochettino 'willing to sell seven Chelsea players in 2024'
Mauricio Pochettino has allegedly identified seven Chelsea players that he would be prepared to part ways with during the next two transfer windows.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
Ex-Liverpool striker backed for United move after star showing at Old Trafford
Dominic Solanke left a lasting impression on Old Trafford, and particularly Owen Hargreaves who was watching on.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea confirm injury layoff for Reece James
Chelsea have announced that Reece James faces a period on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
Major Chelsea problem identified that could cause them issues for years
Chelsea's method of offering unusually long-term contracts to new signings could be their undoing, talkSPORT has been told.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle United to battle for Giorgi Mamardashvili?
Premier League trio Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are all set to battle for the signature of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, according to a report.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
I'm a Chelsea fan who watched us win Champions League but Sheff Utd terrify me
Chelsea's indifferent form is showing no sign of letting up as the 2021 Champions League winners continue to languish in the Premier League's bottom half.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Slavia Prague vs. Servette - prediction, team news, lineups
A fifth win from six to end their Group G campaign would send Slavia Prague straight through to the Europa League's last 16, but Servette stand in their way on Thursday.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Thomas Tuchel hopes Bayern Munich can "play a part" in Manchester United downfall
Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel has encouraged his players to "play a part" in Manchester United's demise in the Champions League when the two teams lock horns at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
Injury-hit Newcastle aim to capitalise on horror Milan record in must-win clash
Newcastle's Champions League last-16 hopes will go down to the wire when they host AC Milan in their final group-stage game this week.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
Simon Jordan calls for 'disgraceful' Turkish club president to be banned
Simon Jordan believes Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca should be banned from football for his attack on a referee.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
All Turkish football leagues suspended after Ankaragucu president punches referee
Football matches across all leagues in Turkey have been suspended indefinitely by its football association after the president of Ankaragucu punched a referee at the end of a Super Lig game on Monday night.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Aberdeen vs. Eintracht Frankfurt - prediction, team news, lineups
The final game of the group stage for the Europa Conference League will be taking place on Thursday night as Aberdeen continues to look for their first win in the competition this season when they host Eintracht Frankfurt.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has personally invited Dennis Bergkamp back to the club as part of their academy coaching team, according to a report.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Mary Earps headlines six nominees for BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Manchester United Women and England Women goalkeeper Mary Earps headlines six nominees for the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
How Liverpool could line up against Union SG
Liverpool could be without as many as six players for Thursday's trip to Belgian club Union SG in the Europa League group stage.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Union SG vs. Liverpool - prediction, team news, lineups
Liverpool travel to Lotto Park in Belgium to face Union SG in their final Group E fixture of the Europa League on Thursday night.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
Reece James set for months out as Chelsea star has scan on hamstring injury
Reece James is facing more months on the sidelines after the Chelsea star had a scan on a hamstring injury.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Zrinjski Mostar vs. Aston Villa - prediction, team news, lineups
Aston Villa make the trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina to face Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday night requiring a point to guarantee a place in the Europa Conference League last 16.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
Turkish club president who attacked referee was given Fair Play Award last year
The football club president who has been arrested for punching a referee was given a Fair Play Award by the Turkish Super Lig last year.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Tottenham Hotspur team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Nottingham Forest
Tottenham Hotspur will endeavour to claim back-to-back Premier League victories when they travel to the City Ground to face an under-pressure Nottingham Forest outfit on Friday night.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
Salah out to extend record as title-chasing Liverpool host struggling Man United
Liverpool welcome old foes Manchester United to Anfield this weekend as the Reds look to continue their title push in a blockbuster Premier League showdown.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Olympiacos vs. Backa Topola - prediction, team news, lineups
Olympiacos and Backa Topola meet in the Europa League on Thursday night with both teams having already been eliminated from this competition.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Lille vs. KI Klaksvik - prediction, team news, lineups
Lille will look to finish the Europa Conference League group stage as the winners for Group A, potentially requiring three points to ensure that.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: West Ham United vs. Freiburg - prediction, team news, lineups
West Ham United and Freiburg square off in the Europa League on Thursday night with a place in the last 16 at stake.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
Murphy: Man United unlikely to win a major trophy with Ten Hag in charge
Danny Murphy believes Manchester United have no chance of competing for top honours while Erik ten Hag is manager of the club.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
Gallagher could make controversial switch as Chelsea reportedly consider selling
Tottenham remain interested in Conor Gallagher if Chelsea decide to cash in on the midfielder in January, talkSPORT understands.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
What Man United need to qualify for Champions League last 16 in Bayern clash
Manchester United's Champions League hopes are on a knife edge as they welcome German giants Bayern Munich to Old Trafford tonight.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
Klopp jokes Liverpool 'got lucky' with failed summer deals as he hails signings
Jurgen Klopp joked that Liverpool 'got lucky' by missing out on some of their top summer targets.
12 December 2023
talksport.com
Ronaldo responds to Messi chants by reaching unique milestone.. again
Cristiano Ronaldo didn't let a few heckles get in the way of him scoring his 50th goal of the year.
12 December 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea to consider offers for Conor Gallagher in January?
Key Chelsea figures are reportedly at odds over whether Conor Gallagher should be sold during the January transfer window.
Show more

Top News

22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among three Premier League teams to have taken an interest in signing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney this summer. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly received a significant boost in their efforts to sign Rayan Cherki, whom Lyon have decided to sell in the summer transfer window. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly made a final decision on whether he plans to re-integrate Marcus Rashford into his squad this summer. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Manchester United have been told to seek wisdom from darts sensation Luke Littler over how to handle high-pressure situations. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Peter Crouch has scored his first goals for Liverpool in nearly 17 years and he made sure to celebrate accordingly. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool's reported capacity to purchase a new striker in the summer transfer window is in excess of £100m due to their good financial health. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Newcastle United will have a special Carabao Cup trophy parade next weekend after ending 70 years of hurt. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Newcastle United will finally get their trophy-winning party in front the Toon Army. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are set to be active during this summer's transfer window, as the recently-appointed Ruben Amorim looks to bring in players capable of thriving in his 3-4-3 system. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate reportedly has no release clause in his current contract amidst interest from Real Madrid in his signature. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona are facing a centre-back crisis for their La Liga match against Osasuna next week, with Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen potentially all missing the rescheduled fixture. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Another consolation silver medal is waiting for Arsenal at the 2024-25 Premier League finish line, as Mikel Arteta and co bemoan injuries, suspensions and fatal - yet avoidable - transfer mistakes. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly begun initial talks with Napoli over the possible transfer of Rasmus Hojlund to the Serie A club in the summer transfer window. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are expected to move for at least one central midfielder during this summer's transfer window. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Twelve years may have passed, but Franck Ribery is still not over his 2013 Ballon d'Or snub. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Chelsea are not familiar with quiet summer transfer windows and as it stands, there's no sign of bucking the trend in 2025. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Walsall boss Mat Sadler claimed the decision not to request a postponement this afternoon was 'out of' the club's hands. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona would reportedly be willing to let Raphinha leave during this summer's transfer window if an offer of €120m (£101m) were to arrive, with Manchester United said to be keen to sign the attacker. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Suggestions that Liverpool's season would be disappointing if they only win the Premier League title are ludicrous, Reds expert David Lynch has argued. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has apparently emerged as a potential transfer target for AC Milan, who took Joao Felix off of the Blues' hands in the January transfer window. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur have joined the ever-growing list of clubs interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, according to a report. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has delivered an update on his head injury after the 32-year-old was forced to withdraw from the Brazil squad earlier this week. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Albania and Andorra, both aiming to bounce back from defeats on matchday one of the UEFA FIFA World Cup qualifiers, will face off on Monday in a matchday two clash in Group K. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Andrey Santos has revealed that he is yet to receive any direct contact from Chelsea regarding his plans for 2025-26. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal defender Ben White will likely be a shoo-in for the next England squad and should be considered for a start against Real Madrid in the Champions League, Gunners expert Charles Watts has claimed. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk England head coach Thomas Tuchel could make an abundance of alterations for his second game in charge of the Three Lions, which comes against Latvia on Monday evening at Wembley. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk In what is already a top-of-the-table clash in Group K of UEFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying, England and Latvia lock horns at Wembley Stadium on Monday evening. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Nottingham Forest have reportedly retained an interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha. 22 March 2025 talksport.com Nottingham Forest are plotting a club record move for Matheus Cunha if they qualify for the Champions League, talkSPORT understands. 22 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk After scraping through their first World Cup qualifier with a late goal from their inspirational skipper, Poland host Group G minnows Malta on Monday.