Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Thanks to a 1-0 win over Ludogorets in Razgrad, Real Betis cemented top position in Group C, but they surely want to finish the process in style. Los Beticos are eyeing their fifth group win, and the bookies see them as hot favourites to pick up all three points from Thursday’s clash. Experienced winger, who limped off with injury in the last group match, remains in the recovery room, alongside the likes of Juanmi, Luiz Felipez, Rodriguez, and Camarasa.
HJK, on the other hand, have nothing to play for in the last group game as they are stuck at the bottom with only one point on their account. Considering that Helsinki footballers are already on vacation after winning the Veikkausliiga trophy, we predict that the hosts are going to emerge triumphant in Thursday’s encounter. When the two teams met at Bolt Arena earlier in the process Real Betis defeated HJK 2-0, which is yet another reason why home win should be considered.
Highlighted Player (Willian José):
Well-travelled Brazilian international Willian Jose was born in Porto Calvo and made his first football steps at a local Clube de Regatas. It was at the age of 17 that he was snapped by Gremio Barueri where he made 26 league appearances and scored six goal in his first – and only – senior season at the club.
In 2011, Willian Jose moved to Deportivo Maldonado but his five-year stint with the Uruguay outfit was marked by no less than seven different loan spells, one of which was to La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid. Standing at 186cm tall, Willian Jose is a notable presence in the box. This powerful centre forward will use his physicality to hold up ball and bring his teammates into play.
The Brazilian international did well to make a name for himself in Spain by playing for Zaragoza and Las Palmas, respectively, before he sealed a permanent move to Real Sociedad in 2016. A member of both FIFA U-20 World Cup and South American Youth Championship winning sides with Brazil in 2011, Willian Jose has not been given a chance to prove his worth at the senior level with Selecao.