Nottingham Forest face Real Betis in the group stages of the Europa League tonight.
Ange Postecoglou’s side head into this clash off the back of a challenging month, with defeats to Arsenal and Swansea before a draw at Burnley on the weekend.
Real Betis, meanwhile, have made a productive start to the season in La Liga, losing just one game in six, leaving them in sixth place.
Opta’s supercomputer expects Nottingham Forest to win, and now our writers have made their predictions for tonight’s game.
- READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou could shock us all by making one bold decision for Nottingham Forest vs Real Betis
Nottingham Forest vs Real Betis score predictions
Lee Clarke – Real Betis 2-2 Nottingham Forest
“Although it would be very Forest to go and win away in their first Europa League game for 30 years, I think it might be a draw.
“Manuel Pellegrini has a very settled Real Betis side and they reached the Conference League final last season.
“I do expect more evidence of ‘Ange-ball’, however, and reckon there might be goals in the game too. I will go for a very entertaining 2-2.”
Nathan Hassett – Real Betis 1-1 Nottingham Forest
“As first Europa League games go, Real Betis away is as challenging as it gets for Nottingham Forest and Ange Postecoglou.
“Manuel Pellegrini and Betis are entering their fifth consecutive year in UEFA competition, so any experience that Postecoglou can pass on from last season’s triumph with Tottenham will be invaluable.
“The buzz of the Reds’ fans who have travelled out to the game is infectious, though, so surely that excitement is being felt in the squad.
“I’ll go for a 1-1 draw, with a performance that will have Forest fans returning home feeling hopeful about the rest of the Europa League campaign.”
Scott Mason – Real Betis 2-2 Nottingham Forest
“Ange Postecoglou is still in search of his first win as head coach, and Real Betis will prove to be a challenging game to change that.
“Betis are statistically one of the best teams on the counter in the top leagues, and with Ange’s style that could be worrisome.
“Against Burnley, Forest looked a different side, and it’s clear Postecoglou is instilling his ideas quickly. For this reason, I’m going for a 2-2 draw.
“A mix of Ange’s high tempo football, and Betis’ counterattacking prowess should see plenty of goals scored in this tie.”
Mark Marston – Real Betis 1-2 Nottingham Forest
“Postecoglou’s Premier League record over the last year is really concerning, but in Europe, it’s been flawless.
“The reigning Europa League-winning manager will carry that belief into tonight’s game, and it will rub off on his players.
“Forest have the quality to change the game from the bench and against tiring legs, their super subs will take the game away from the hosts.
“So, I’ll go for a 2-1 away win, perhaps with a late winner.”
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