Rabat – Genk host Real Betis today in their third UEFA Europa League group-stage game. The Andalusians currently have four points from two matches, after fighting back for a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, and then beating Ludogorets 2-0.
Genk has three points, coming from a 1-0 win over Rangers and a 0-1 loss to Ludogorets.
A win for Real Betis would secure their place at the top of the group, while Genk must win at home to stay in the race for qualification.
Match Details
- Fixture: Real Betis vs Genk
- Competition: UEFA Europa League (Group Stage, Matchday 3)
- Venue: Cegeka Arena (Belgium)
- Date: Thursday, October 23
- Kick-off: 5:45 p.m. (GMT+1)
- How to Watch: beIN Sports 2 (MENA), Paramount+, Movistar+
Real Betis Team News
Real Betis head into their Europa League match against Genk missing several key players:
Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is sidelined with a thigh injury.
Spain internationals Isco (broken leg) and Cedric Bakambu (muscle issue) are also unavailable.
On the defensive end, Marc Bartra returns after a month out, giving Manuel Pellegrini a boost at the back.
Up front, Betis will rely on veteran striker Cucho Hernández, with Antony and Abde Ezzalzouli providing pace on the wings.
Abde Ezzalzouli, who has scored twice in four league games, is expected to be a major threat.
Predicted lineup: Pau López; Bellerín, Bartra, Gómez, Firpo; Roca, Fornals; Antony, Abde Ezzalzouli , Cucho; Willian José
Genk Team News
Genk will be without several important players for their home match against Real Betis.
Goalkeeper Tobias Lawal is sidelined with a knee injury, while Moroccan right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi is out after dislocating his shoulder in the last Europa League game.
Coach Thorsten Fink is expected to stick with his attacking core, with Korean striker Oh Hyeon-gyu leading the line and Yira Sor providing width.
In midfield, Patrik Hrošovský and Jarne Steuckers are likely starters.
Predicted lineup: Van Crombrugge; Kayembe, Sadick, Smets, Bangoura; Hrošovský, Steuckers; Sor, Heynen, Nkuba; Oh Hyeon-gyu
What to Expect
Real Betis are expected to control possession and press high, Manuel Pellegrini’s side is unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions and showed resilience by coming back from 0–2 down to draw 2–2 at Villarreal last weekend.
With Abde Ezzalzouli and Antony on the wings, Betis will look to stretch Genk’s defence early. Genk, who have won just two of their last seven home games, are likely to sit deep and play on the counter.
This marks the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, with Betis entering as clear favourites
Safe Bets
- Both Teams to Score: Yes. Both sides have been scoring consistently.
- Over 2.5 Goals: Likely Betis matches tend to be open; six of their last eight games saw at least three goals.
- Ez Abde to Score or Assist: Yes. The Moroccan winger has two goals in four league appearances and remains Betis’ most dangerous wing player.
- Real Betis to Win: Yes.
Final score prediction: Real Betis 2-1 Genk.
