Real Betis have a perfect home record this season but Porto are a hard nut to crack. The Portuguese club are likely to be content with a point here and can achieve their ambitions in Sevilla.
Key Stats
- Real Betis are undefeated in 13 of their last 14 home matches.
- Porto are undefeated in 14 of their last 16 matches.
HTH
This will be the first competitive match between Real Betis and Porto.
Betis Flying High
Real Betis won four straight games in September, starting with a 1-0 win against Real Madrid. The run included a 3-2 victory at Lille in the Champions League.
That winning run came to an end at Deportivo where they dominated the first half and built a 1-0 lead. The second half was a different story and Betis were satisfied to escape with a 1-1 draw.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are coming off a 5-2 win against Osasuna. Isco scored two goals in a man of the match performance, the 34-year-old getting back to full fitness.
The win kept Betis third in La Liga, one point above Real Madrid.
Porto Perfect in Liga Portugal
Porto have won nine of their opening 10 games this season, the first five coming with clean sheets. They are eight from eight in Liga Portugal but their defence has not been as strong in recent weeks, conceding in five straight matches.
The only slip up came in the Champions League, a deserved 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Francesco Farioli’s side beat title rivals Benfica 3-1 before the international break, playing against 10 men in the second half.
The Dragons returned from the break with a hard fought 2-1 win at Maritimo. Victor Froholdt equalised before half-time and Oskar Pietuszewski came off the bench to score a late winner.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Real Betis (4-3-3) Álvaro Valles; Héctor Bellerín, Natan, Marc Bartra, Fran García; Facundo Bernal, Pablo Fornals; Rodrigo Riquelme, Isco, Abde Ezzalzouli; Troy Parrott
Junior Firpo has a muscle injury and Aitor Ruibal is doubtful. Dani Ceballos is a chance to replace Isco in the playmaker role.
Antony has an ankle problem but compounded that with a muscle issue and is unlikely to start. Manuel Pellegrini said: "I managed to speak briefly with him, but it seems he had a minor muscle strain; it had nothing to do with his ankle."
Porto (4-3-3) Diogo Costa; Alberto Costa, Nehuén Pérez, Jakub Kiwior, Francisco Moura; Victor Froholdt, Pablo Rosario, Gabri Veiga; Pepê, André Silva, Borja Sainz
Jan Bednarek is suspended which could see Nehuén Pérez or Pablo Rosario start in central defence. Chris Smalling and Dominik Prpic are unavailable.
William Gomes picked up an injury in Madeira with Farioli saying: "It doesn't look good, judging by the pictures. Unfortunately, his ankle is hurting a lot." Borja Sainz should start out wide.
Expect Gabri Veiga to replace Hwang In-Beom in midfield. Oskar Pietuszewski and Samu Aghehowa are set to come off the bench as they continue to regain fitness.