Expect Levante to set up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with Ryan in goal and a back four of Sánchez, Mandi, De la Fuente and Pérez. The double pivot of Rey and Olasagasti will try to screen the defence, but they'll be overrun. Betis, also in a 4-2-3-1, will look to dominate the middle of the park. Their full-backs push high, their wide men tuck into the half-spaces, and they'll target the space behind Levante's advanced full-backs. Luis Castro's men will sit deep, try to stay compact, and hope to nick something on the break. But Betis are patient. They'll move the ball side to side, stretch the block, and wait for the gap to appear.

The key battle is in midfield. Levante's double pivot is functional but not creative. Betis's midfielders are technicians who can thread a pass through the eye of a needle. If Betis control the tempo, Levante will chase shadows. Set pieces could be Levante's only route — they've got height with Mandi and Ndukwe, but Betis are disciplined in their own box. The game state is clear: Betis will have the ball, Levante will defend, and the visitors will eventually find a way through.