Nottingham Forest will mark their long-awaited return to European football with a trip to the Estadio de La Cartuja to face Real Betis in their first game of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase on Wednesday night. New head coach Ange Postecoglou is still searching for his first win in charge of the Tricky Trees.
Meanwhile, Betis have had a steady start to the 2025/26 campaign with a total of nine points earned from their opening six games in La Liga. They are certainly expected to be a tough opening opponent for Forest.
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Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest prediction: An entertaining encounter?
Key stats
- Betis have lost just once all season so far.
- Forest are winless in five games in total in all competitions.
- Both teams have kept just one clean sheet between them so far.
Correct score prediction: Real Betis 2-2 Nottingham Forest
These two teams have struggled to defend so far this season, with just one clean sheet between them. Thus, we are expecting plenty of goals, with both sides potentially sharing the spoils.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Betis favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 6/5 (2.20) – 45.5%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Betis have been installed as the favourites with bookmakers to open their UEL account with all three points on home soil. Forest can be backed to win at just over 32%, while a draw is rated at just under 28%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page, as well as our Europa League predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Betis won previous meeting
These two sides last met in a club friendly in 2018. Betis managed to win the game 1-0 on home soil, and will be hoping for a similar result on Wednesday night.
Real Betis preview: No fresh concerns
Betis have reported no fresh injury concerns in their squad ahead of this clash. Thus, the hosts will be expected to name a strong starting XI.
Predicted lineup: Lopez (GK); Bellerin, Llorente, Natan, Firpo; Fornals, Lo Celso, Amrabat; Antony, Hernandez & Ezzalzouli
Last five results:
- Real Betis 3-1 Real Sociedad
- Levante 2-2 Real Betis
- Real Betis 1-2 Athletic Club
- Celta Vigo 1-1 Real Betis
- Real Betis 1-0 Alaves
Nottingham Forest preview: Also no fresh concerns
Forest also have no fresh injury concerns to report heading to Spain. Postecoglou is likely to go strong to try and get his first win as manager.
Predicted lineup: Sels (GK); Williams, Milnekovic, Morato, Savona; Anderson, Gibbs-White, Luiz; Bakwa, Wood & Ndoye
Last five results:
- Burnley 1-1 Nottingham Forest
- Swansea 3-2 Nottingham Forest
- Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
- Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham
- Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Player to watch: Pablo Fornals
Pablo Fornals has scored twice from the middle of the park in his previous two appearances for Betis. Forest fans will recognise him from his time in the Premier League with West Ham, and so will be aware of the quality that he possesses on the ball.