Gent vs Real Betis Predictions

• Both teams have not scored in Gent’s last four Europa Conference League matches
• Both teams have not scored in three of Betis’ four away European games this season
• Two of Gent’s last five matches have finished 0-0

Rare event could be on the cards

Goalless games are becoming a rarity in modern football but there is a decent chance that neither Gent or Real Betis break the deadlock in Thursday’s Europa Conference League knockout phase playoff first leg.

Gent have kept clean sheets in three of their last five games coming into this clash and were similarly tough to unlock in the League phase, where they shut out two of their three opponents at Planet Group Arena.

The Buffaloes are sixth in the Belgian top-flight, which has shown how much depth it holds by seeing all five of its clubs reach the knockout rounds of UEFA competitions.

Verdiblancos in poor domestic form

Real Betis, who are currently 11th in La Liga, finished two places higher than Gent in the League phase after winning three and drawing one of their six matches. Manuel Pellegrini’s men won their last two European contests 1-0 and will be looking for something similar from this trip, which provides a welcome break from their domestic struggles.

The Verdiblancos crashed out of the Copa del Rey 5-1 to Barcelona and have won only two of their last 12 in the league.

They should have too much quality for the Belgians over two legs, but there is little evidence for them being odds-on favourites for this clash, which has a greater chance of finishing level. Back a 0-0 in correct score markets as Gent have drawn four of their last five games, two without scoring.