Betis vs HJK Prediction & Betting Tips (19 December)

Considered a credible contender for final victory in this Conference League, Real Bétis today only occupies 17th place in the standings with 3 points ahead of the 25th not qualified for the play-offs and 3 behind the 8th. directly qualified for the round of 16. Beaten on the lawns of Legia Warsaw 1-0 and Mlada Boleslav 2-1, the Andalusians performed better at home, without convincing, with a draw against Copenhagen 1-1 and short success against Celje 2-1. Last week, they performed well by winning Petrocub 0-1. 9th in La Liga after beating FC Barcelona 2-2 and beating Villarreal 1-2 on Sunday, the Sevillian team will have to work hard to secure a European seat this season. It also gleaned its first victory in La Liga against Villarreal since October 27. In a bad position in this Conference League, HJK is currently 29th and is 1 point behind the 24th, last qualified for the play-offs.

The Helsinki-based club won against Dinamo Minsk on matchday 2 1-0. Otherwise, they lost to Lugano 3-0, Olimpija Ljubljana 0-2 and Panathinaikos 0-1 before holding out at home to Molde last week 2-2. On the national scene, the four-time defending champion lost his crown this year. HJK had to settle for 3rd place. The Finnish championship ended on October 19 and the Helsinki club only has the Conference League left to play in the current financial year. 

Many elements are missing for Betis Sevilla this week. This is the case of goalkeeper No. 1 Rui Silva, defenders Bellerin and Mendy, midfielders Roca, Carvalho and Fornals and striker Juanmi, all on the flank. Aligned at the forefront of the attack against Petrocub, striker Bakambu stood out by shaking the nets. He could once again be supported by the Argentinian Avila (2 goals in La Liga). Playmaker Isco is available this week after Lo Celso and Vitor Roque have just reached the mark of 7 goals and 4 goals respectively in La Liga.

 HJK must deal with the loss of important midfielder Sarpei. Scorer against Molde, Scottish striker Lee Erwin (5 goals and 2 assists in the league) is available. He is one of three club players to have scored in this European campaign and is still in competition with Englishman Luke Plange (6 goals and 3 assists in the league) to start up front. In midfield, takes place the influential Lingman (4 goals and 6 assists in the league).