Roma – Real Betis

Roma and Betis are capable of producing some productive football

Roma and Betis approach the third round of the Europa League group stage as direct rivals for the final first place in the group. Bookmakers in the fight for first place see Betis as the favourite, but with a slight edge in the odds: 1.85 versus 2.10. The Sevillian club have six points so far and travel to Rome as Group C leaders. Roma have made one misfire and have three points less. Bookmakers have offered roughly equal odds for a win for the Italian team and for the Andalusians to pick up at least one point. The Romans had a momentous occasion last Saturday. After eleven match-ups without a win against Inter, Mourinho's side finally defeated their arch-rivals. That said, there are big questions about Roma's stability this season. Their success against Inter came straight after losing to Atalanta. In Europa League, the Romans have similar statistics: a 2-1 defeat at Ludogorets in the first leg was followed by a 3-0 defeat at HJK in the second. For sure, Mourinho's team will play first-choice at the home ground, but that style of play is almost certainly more comfortable for Betis' tactics. The Sevilla side are one of the best teams in the Primera Liga at the start of October. In the seven rounds of the new season, Betis have won five times, losing only two away matches: to Celta and Madrid. In the Europa League, the uncompromising Andalusian club also picked up two wins, with HJK and Ludogorec struggling to produce the result they needed. In Sunday's match against Celta, Betis suffered a sending-off as early as the 20th minute, which led to the defeat with a minimum score. Betis definitely have ambitions for the European Cup campaign and matches against teams such as Roma. It is likely that the Roman club will not have time to recover after the encounter with Inter, primarily in psychological terms. With Roma set to play unbeaten Lecce in two full days already, Mourinho will be forced to apply a slight rotation to the squad. That said, Betis are in great form and will be able to get at least a draw.