Conference League: Real Betis vs Chelsea - Betting Tips, Odds & Prediction

Chelsea will look to become the first club to win all three UEFA competitions when they take on Real Betis in the Conference League final on Thursday morning at Wroclaw Stadium. 

Betis have already clinched Europa League qualification by finishing sixth in La Liga, so the added reward of a European spot from winning the Conference League carries no weight. Still, they’ll be eager to lift the trophy and win their first piece of continental silverware. 

Chelsea, meanwhile, secured a Champions League spot by the skin of their teeth with a tough win over Nottingham Forest over the weekend. Luckily other results fell their way on the final Premier League weekend, otherwise they would have needed to win the Conference League just to secure Europa League football next season.

Read on for our football betting tips when these two sides clash for silverware on Thursday.

Real Betis

Real Betis have already made history by qualifying for their first-ever European final. El Glorioso now eye an even more glorious achievement; winning the maiden European title in the club’s history. 

Betting sites in NZ are not giving Betis much of a chance in this clash, considering they are playing a side that have superior European pedigree and have shown better form in the earlier phases of the tournament. 

The underdog tag, however, could be a blessing in disguise for Manuel Pellegrini’s men who will not have to carry the burden of heavy expectations. 

Manchester United loanee Antony will be the man to watch in green and white. He has made 14 goal contributions since coming to Betis and will be confident of adding to that tally against a familiar opponent. 

Team News: Adrian might replace Fran Vieites at goal, who has picked up a calf injury. The Spanish goal-keeper was instrumental in Liverpool’s 2019 UEFA Super Cup win against Chelsea. 

Predicted Lineup: Adrian; Sabaly, Bartra, Natan, Rodríguez; Cardoso, Fornals; Antony, Isco, Ezzalzouli; Bakambu.

Chelsea 

Chelsea have impressed throughout the tournament, and Enzo Maresca’s men now chase a rare piece of football history in Poland. 

Victory on Thursday morning would see the Blues become the first team to win all five of UEFA’s major men’s club competitions, having already secured multiple titles in the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup, and the former Cup Winners’ Cup.

Maresca is no stranger to Pellegrini, who will be standing on the opposition touchline. The Italian played under Pellegrini during his playing days at Malaga, then joined the Chilean’s coaching staff at West Ham a few years later. 

Team News: The match could come too soon for Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu. 

Predicted Lineup: Jorgensen; James, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.

• La Liga clubs have not lost a European final against a non-Spanish opposition since 2001.
• Real Betis and Chelsea have played each other five times. Betis won one, lost three, and the other one was a draw.
• Chelsea and Real Betis renew acquaintances for the first time since their group stage showdown in the 2005/06 Champions League.
• Betis won the last fixture between these two sides.

Chelsea have been the team to beat in the Conference League this season. They were inconsistent in the Premier League, but their Conference League campaign has been near flawless. 

The Blues have lost only once in the 12 previous games they have played in the earlier stages of the tournament to reach this far. Even though they have struggled in front of the goal in the Premier League, Chelsea have outscored their opponents 38-9 this season. 

Betting against Chelsea, therefore, would be one of the riskier approaches to take on betting apps for this game. That said, we can’t underestimate the incredible quality Betis have shown to set up this showpiece matchup as well. 

The La Liga side denied Fiorentina a third successive Conference League final appearance by knocking them out of the semi-finals. However, we believe Chelsea have been the more dominant side in the competition, so they should be the one going all the way in this clash. 

Antony to Score First @ 13.00 

Antony has thrived under Pellegrini at Betis, delivering key goals throughout the season. With odds of $13 at Bet365 to score first, he could offer strong value for punters once again on Thursday morning.