Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the UEFA Conference League match.
Based on expected points, Real Betis are in the top three in La Liga (16.02 compared to 12 points actually earned), so their trip to the inconsistent Legia Warsaw should be straightforward. The Polish club have not secured a victory in three rounds following the international break, managing only one shot on target in that period.
Legia Warsaw
In the Conference League qualifiers, Legia Warsaw faced no serious opposition, although they almost stumbled against Brøndby (3:2 and 1:1). In the latter half of September, the Warsaw side lost to Raków Częstochowa and Pogoń Szczecin (both 0:1) and drew with Górnik Zabrze (1:1). Currently, the team trails leaders Lech Poznań by 10 points, having conceded seven goals in six home matches; only Cracovia have a weaker home defence in the Polish league (eight goals conceded).
Real Betis
Real Betis had a straightforward Conference League play-off round against Kryvbas, winning 5:0 on aggregate. In La Liga, the team has struggled with converting chances (eight goals from 14.80 xG), but they rank in the top five for goals conceded (seven goals). In Warsaw, Manuel Pellegrini is likely to field his strongest lineup, featuring Ez Abde, Cédric Bakambu, Giovani Lo Celso, and Pablo Fornals in attack, who are expected to pose significant problems for the opposition.
Legia Warsaw vs Real Betis Prediction
Legia Warsaw's instability in home games works in favour of Real Betis. The Seville club are set to start their Conference League campaign with a win, as their current form and player quality are considerably superior.
