Real Betis vs Chelsea tips and predictions: Blues eye Conference League glory in Wroclaw showdown

Real Betis state of play

Veteran boss Manuel Pellegrini, who had stints in the Premier League with Manchester City and West Ham, guided Betis to Wroclaw following a 4-3 aggregate win over Serie A side Fiorentina in the semi final. 

However, that triumph led to a domestic slump for Pellegrini's side, who failed to win any of their last four La Liga games of the campaign. 

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But despite their poor form, a sixth-place finish in the Spanish top-flight means they already have Europa League football in the bag for next term. 

Pellegrini took Manchester United outcast Antony on loan in January and the Brazilian has started to hit top gear. 

He has posted nine goals and five assists for Betis after making the switch. “Pellegrini has given me a lot of confidence,” Antony said last month when quizzed about his Spanish renaissance. 

Chelsea state of play 

Chelsea have already booked their place in the Champions League next season following a fourth-place finish domestically. 

And after an inconsistent season, Enzo Maresca's men could now end the campaign with a fresh piece of silverware too. 

The Blues eased past Swedish outfit Djurgardens in the semi-final over two legs with a 5-1 aggregate win and have looked relatively solid throughout their Europa League Conference campaign.

Nevertheless, Maresca did not hide his irritation at the scheduling around the showpiece in Wroclaw. 

He claimed last week it was unfair for Betis to play on Friday night when his side were in action against Nottingham Forest nearly 48 hours later. 

Maresca was asked if UEFA should have intervened and made Betis play on Sunday. “It is not correct,” he said. “I don’t know who it is but there should be rules, absolutely yes.”

Key talking point: Can Chelsea finish the campaign on another high? 

After securing Champions League football on Sunday with a win against Nottingham Forest, and the outpouring of emotion that came with it, Chelsea have the wind in their sails. 

But the pressure on the Blues is undoubtedly bigger than on Betis. Over the last two decades the west Londoners have won silverware in abundance - and the Stamford Bridge faithful now demand success.

Chelsea have previously bagged the Champions League, Europa League and Super Cup. 

In fact, if the Blues triumph on Wednesday night they will become the first side to win all four UEFA club tournaments. 

FIRST’s top tip for Real Betis vs Chelsea

Cole Palmer anytime goalscorer at 9/5 (BetMGM)

Cole Palmer remains one of Chelsea's star men despite a rocky campaign. 

A dip in form saw the England ace find the net just once in 23 games during the second half of the Blues’ campaign in all competitions. 

However, his ability has never been in question and the versatile attacker is no stranger to the big occasion. 

It was less than 12 months ago that he found the net for the Three Lions in the final of Euro 2024 against Spain. 

He’s unlikely to start the final, but the former Manchester City star is still expected to feature at some point. 

Extra tips

Antony anytime goalscorer at 4/1 (Bet442)

The Brazilian had become a laughing stock in the Premier League with just 12 goals in 96 appearances for Manchester United. 

But at Betis he’s found his groove again and was instrumental in getting the La Liga side to the final. 

The 25-year-old will be ready to prove the doubters wrong and write his name into Betis folklore. 

Romain Perraud yellow card at 24/5 (BetMGM)

The Betis left-back loves a booking. He's picked up seven yellow cards and one red in 28 La Liga fixtures this term. 

If he gets the nod over Ricardo Rodriguez, it could massively affect the card market and booking points in this game, if Perraud struggles against Jadon Sancho in particular. 

Team news

Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead the line for the Blues and Christopher Nkunku looks set to return after missing the Nottingham Forest clash. 

Filip Jorgensen, Malo Gusto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Trevoh Chalobah could all be drafted in as Maresca shuffles his pack. 

Aaron Anselmino, Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman and Mykhaylo Mudryk are unavailable. Romeo Lavia is ineligible to play. 

For Betis, ex-Arsenal star Hector Bellerin is crocked along with Marc Roca, Diego Llorente and Chimy Avila. 

Midfield maestro Giovani Lo Celso is also a doubt, but Youssouf Sabaly and Johnny Cardoso are both expected to return to the fold after injury niggles. Highly experienced Cedric Bakambu should spearhead the Betis front line. 

Real Betis vs Chelsea predicted line-ups

Real Betis: Vieites; Sabaly, Bartra, Natan, Perraud; Cardoso, Altimira; Antony, Isco, Fornals; Bakambu (4-2-3-1)

Chelsea: Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Dewsbury-Hall, Fernandez; Sancho, Nkunku, George; Jackson (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (all competitions)

Real Betis: DWWWWDDDLD

Chelsea: DLWWWWWLWW

Odds correct at the time of writing.