Pellegrini readies his gala XI to conquer Dortmund

Real Betis Balompié

Tonight, Real Betis face one of the biggest challenges of the season. The verdiblancos head to Signal Iduna Park to take on Borussia Dortmund, a high-pressure setting in which they will look to secure their fourth consecutive Champions League win and take a practically decisive step towards the knockout rounds.

The Manuel Pellegrini side arrive with nine points from nine, after beating Lille, Porto and Feyenoord. Opposite them will be a Borussia Dortmund team on six points, coming off a draw against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Led in attack by Serhou Guirassy, the Germans will test the solidity of Betis' defence.

The possible Betis XI against Borussia Dortmund

Pellegrini could bring back several key players for this fixture. Antony is set to return to the starting XI after beginning on the bench against Malaga, while Facundo Bernal is available again, as his LaLiga suspension does not affect the European competition.

In defence, Marc Bartra and Diego Llorente are competing for a spot alongside Natan, while in midfield Marc Roca also has options to come in instead of Bernal. Isco, Abde and Troy Parrott are shaping up as important pieces in the verdiblanco attack.

Possible Betis XI (4-2-3-1): Álvaro Vallés; Bellerín, Bartra, Natan, Fran García; Facundo Bernal, Fornals; Antony, Isco, Abde and Troy Parrott.

Four absences for a big night

The Chilean coach will not be able to call on Cucho Hernández, Junior Firpo, Iker Losada or Álvaro Fidalgo. The latter has been left out of the squad at the last minute due to a viral process.

Betis will try to impose their personality and control the tempo of the match against a Borussia side that is especially dangerous in transitions. A win in Dortmund would be a statement in Europe and would allow the verdiblancos to face the rest of the league phase with enormous peace of mind.