Real Betis v Chelsea - UEFA Conference League final key battles

Real Betis and Chelsea are set to meet in the UEFA Conference League final at the Stadion Miejski in Wroclaw, Poland on Wednesday.

The Andalusian club are contesting their first-ever European final, while Chelsea are targeting a clean sweep on the continent as they aim to become the first team to win four different major UEFA tournaments.

Enzo Maresca's men enter the contest as 2/5 favourites to lift the trophy and are priced at 5/6 to win the match in 90 minutes.

Betis, on the other hand, are 7/4 underdogs to claim their fifth major trophy and their second under veteran tactician Manuel Pellegrini.

It's got all of the ingredients to be a fascinating final and we've assessed the key battles which could decide the outcome of the match.

Antony vs Marc Cucurella

Imagine typing these two names out this time last year and keeping a straight face.

Antony has cut a revitalised figure since departing Old Trafford for the Estadio Benito Villamarín in January and emerged as a key component in Betis' path to the Conference League final.

The Brazilian winger has registered 15 goal contributions in 25 appearances across all competitions for Los Verdiblancos, but he must be at the top of his game if he's to impact proceedings on the flank when opposing Marc Cucurella.

Initially perceived as a flop following his £63m transfer from Brighton, Cucurella played an integral role in Spain's Euro 2024 success and the left-back carried that form into the 2024/25 Premier League campaign to become an indispensable member of Maresca's XI.

The technically astute defender has relished one-on-one situations against some of the most elite dribblers this season and he will be aiming to neutralise Antony's threat on Wednesday.

Johnny Cardoso vs Cole Palmer

The talismanic Cole Palmer was merely an observer during the league phase of the Conference League and the 23-year-old only played a total of 265 minutes in the competition during the knockout stages.

However, none of that detracts from his ability to influence proceedings in the final and Pellegrini will be wary of the threat Palmer poses to his side.

Provided the freedom to roam in Maresca's attacking blueprint, man-marking Palmer is a nigh-on impossible task but the individual who will be entrusted to minimise the Chelsea star's input is Johnny Cardoso.

The anchor to Betis' midfield, the United States international is a disciplined operator who excels at protecting his back four, interrupting opposition attacks and blocking passing lanes.

Cardoso's presence will enable Pablo Fornals to venture forward and support the attacking quartet on transition.

Isco vs Moises Caicedo

In the other midfield showdown we have the ageless Isco opposing the grand Moises Caicedo, who is starting to look every ounce of the £105m midfielder Chelsea signed in August 2023.

Now 33, Isco's enjoyed a remarkably productive campaign in Seville with 22 goal contributions in 32 appearances across all competitions, including a splendid 17 goals and assists in 22 La Liga matches. His form has resulted in a recall to the Spanish national team after a six-year absence.

Isco's fluidity and composure means he is the beating heart of Betis' attack and nullifying the former Real Madrid creator is imperative if Chelsea are to reduce the final third threat of their opponents.

If anyone is capable of effectively keeping tabs on Isco, it's Caicedo.

The Ecuadorian has been a defensive demon this campaign and his bountiful energy in midfield transformed Chelsea into a far more effective outfit.

Real Betis v Chelsea: Prediction, Tips and Odds

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