Betis Sevilla v FC Porto: Isco and Ezzalzouli boost hosts before Champions League clash

Betis Sevilla will look to build on their opening-day victory over Lille when they host FC Porto on Wednesday in the second round of the Champions League.

The Andalusian side began their campaign with three points, while FC Porto are still waiting to get off the mark in this edition. Both teams have named several absentees ahead of the meeting, although each squad has also welcomed back important players.

Betis Sevilla

Betis Sevilla will be without Ruibal, Junior Firpo and Losada, who are all unavailable for the match.

Diego Llorente is back in contention, while Isco and Abde Ezzalzouli have been among the team’s players in particularly strong form. Fran Garcia and Dani Ceballos are also available for selection.

There is competition for the central attacking role, with Cucho Hernandez and Parrott both pushing to start. Antony is another option who could feature in the forward line.

Alvaro Valles is expected to start in goal, with Hector Bellerin, Marc Bartra, Natan and Ricardo Rodriguez forming the defence.

Ceballos and Marc Roca are likely to operate in midfield, while Antony, Isco and Abde Ezzalzouli could play behind the main striker. Cucho Hernandez is the probable choice to lead the attack.

Probable Betis Sevilla XI: Alvaro Valles; Hector Bellerin, Marc Bartra, Natan, Ricardo Rodriguez; Dani Ceballos, Marc Roca; Antony, Isco, Abde Ezzalzouli; Cucho Hernandez.

FC Porto

FC Porto will be without Bednarek, who is suspended. Perez and Zaidu Sanusi are injured, while Vasco Sousa is also absent.

Prpic and Gabriel Mec are not eligible to play, further limiting the Portuguese club’s options. However, Samu Omorodion, Froholdt and Pietuszewski have returned to competitive action and are available for consideration.

FC Porto can also call on several attacking players expected to play a key role. Veiga, Andre Silva, Borja Sainz and William Gomes provide further options in the final third.

Diogo Costa is set to retain his place in goal. The expected defence includes Martim Fernandes, Jakub Kiwior, Francisco Moura and Perez.

Alan Varela, Seko Fofana and Pablo Rosario are likely to form the midfield three, with Pepe, Borja Sainz and Andre Silva expected to lead the attack.

Probable FC Porto XI: Diogo Costa; Martim Fernandes, Jakub Kiwior, Francisco Moura, Perez; Alan Varela, Seko Fofana, Pablo Rosario; Pepe, Borja Sainz, Andre Silva.

The match is the second Champions League fixture for both sides, with Betis Sevilla aiming to maintain their winning start and FC Porto seeking their first points of the competition.