Real Betis vs. Chelsea: Predicted Lineups

While an official lineup for a hypothetical Real Betis vs. Chelsea match would depend on current form, injuries, and tactical decisions made by the respective managers at the time, we can speculate on likely starting elevens based on recent trends and player availability.

Real Betis Potential Lineup

Manuel Pellegrini typically favors a 4-2-3-1 formation. Assuming no major injuries, here’s a probable lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Rui Silva. He’s the established first choice between the posts.
• Defense: Juan Miranda (Left-Back), Chadi Riad (Center-Back), Germán Pezzella (Center-Back), Héctor Bellerín (Right-Back). This back four offers a blend of youth and experience. Riad’s emergence provides a solid partnership with the seasoned Pezzella.
• Defensive Midfield: Guido Rodríguez, Marc Roca. Rodríguez provides crucial defensive cover and ball-winning ability, while Roca adds composure and passing range.
• Attacking Midfield: Ayoze Pérez (Left Wing), Nabil Fekir (Central Attacking Midfielder), Abde Ezzalzouli (Right Wing). Fekir’s creativity is key to unlocking defenses. Ayoze and Abde offer pace and directness on the flanks.
• Striker: Willian José. He’s a reliable goalscorer who leads the line effectively.

Key Considerations for Betis: The fitness of Nabil Fekir is always a crucial factor. His presence significantly elevates Betis’s attacking threat. The defensive partnership between Riad and Pezzella needs to be solid to contain Chelsea’s attackers. The full-backs’ ability to contribute both defensively and offensively will also be vital.

Chelsea Potential Lineup

Under a hypothetical manager at a hypothetical time, Chelsea’s formation is harder to predict definitively, but let’s assume a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, a formation often favored by modern coaches. A possible lineup could be:

• Goalkeeper: Djordje Petrovic. Depending on the scenario and competition for places he may or may not be starting.
• Defense: Levi Colwill (Left-Back), Benoît Badiashile (Center-Back), Axel Disasi (Center-Back), Malo Gusto (Right-Back). This defense could offer a mix of youth and power.
• Midfield: Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Conor Gallagher. This midfield trio blends creativity, defensive steel, and energy.
• Attack: Mykhailo Mudryk (Left Wing), Nicolas Jackson (Center Forward), Cole Palmer (Right Wing). This attack relies on pace, trickery, and clinical finishing.

Key Considerations for Chelsea: The midfield battle will be crucial. Controlling possession and dictating the tempo will be essential for Chelsea to create chances. How well the defense can contain Betis’s attacking threats, particularly Fekir, will also be key. The effectiveness of the attacking trio in converting chances will determine Chelsea’s goalscoring potential.

Note: This is a speculative preview. Actual lineups would be announced closer to the hypothetical match and are subject to change.