Preview: Real Betis vs. Lyon

Real Betis will attempt to record their fourth consecutive home win against French opposition when they welcome Lyon in Group I of the Europa League on Thursday.

The fixture will be the first time that the two sides have met in European competition, but Betis have won each of their last three matches against French teams on their own patch.

The Spanish outfit are in the group stages of the competition for the first time, but they did reach the round of 32 in 2005-06 after dropping out of the Champions League.

Lyon, meanwhile, missed out on the chance to play in the Champions League this season after losing both legs of their playoff against Betis's domestic rivals Real Sociedad. The French side made their debut in the group stages of the Europa League last season - making it to the round of 16 before losing to Tottenham Hotspur.

Betis will enter the match full of confidence after recording a 3-1 win over Valencia in La Liga on Sunday, while Lyon have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions.

Betis coach Pepe Mel could make a couple of changes from the team that overcame Valencia at the weekend with Cedric Mabwati pushing for a start in attack. The change could see Alvaro Vadillo drop to the bench, but Salva Sevilla is expected to start following his brace on Sunday evening.

Lyon are expected to continue with Bafetimbi Gomis in attack, but the striker could gain some support in the shape of Jimmy Briand. Meanwhile, Alexandre Lacazette should also start.

Recent form

Betis: WLWDW

Lyon: LLLLD

Possible starting lineups

Betis: Sara; Chica, Paulao, Amaya, Nacho; Matilla, Torres, Sevilla, Juanfran; Molina, Cedric

Lyon: Lopes; Bedimo, Bisevac, Dabo, Umtiti; Grenier, Gonalons, Lacazette, Fekir; Gomis, Briand

Sports Mole says: 2-1