Gent hoping to grab first leg advantage in Conference League clash with Real Betis | OneFootball

Gent welcome Real Betis to Belgium on Thursday evening hoping to take a first leg lead into the return fixture in Seville. The Buffaloes were inconsistent in Europe this season, winning three and losing three to finish 17th. They face a Betis side that also won three of their games, while losing two and drawing one to finish in 15th place. The side were certainly goal shy in the competition, with just six goals in six games. For Gent, they managed eight goals in their six games, but they also conceded eight.

Betis come into the clash on a bad run of form. Despite a first goal from January signing Antony last weekend, the side lost 3-2 to Celta Vigo. They have only won one of their previous five games, which was a 1-0 away win over Mallorca. The club are currently 11th in La Liga, six points away from European qualification. Giovani Lo Celso, who was on the bench for the recent defeat to Celta Vigo, leads the side with seven goals this season.

Gent are unbeaten in five, yet they have only won one of those five. They beat Anderlecht 1-0 two matchdays ago before coming back in dramatic fashion to rescue a point against KV Mechelen. The 3-3 draw may well give them some confidence going into this clash where they will likely be underdogs. However, there is enough quality in the side to hurt Betis if the side play to their potential. Sadly, this has happened on too few an occasion this season.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson