Betis is preparing for its debut in the Copa del Rey with a squad full of new features, since coach Manuel Pellegrini has decided to rotate several of his starting players to conserve energy for the upcoming season schedule. The match against Navalcarnero will be played on Wednesday at the Santo Domingo stadium, in Alcorcón, at 9:00 p.m., and will be the first official opportunity for several players who have not yet seen minutes in competition this season.
Pellegrini has chosen to rest the players who have been at the top of the League table, such as Ez Abde, Isco, Alarcón, Marc Roca and Natan, who have been used in all recent matches. With the next phase of the Champions League and a LaLiga match against Málaga at La Cartuja on Saturday, the rotation strategy seeks to avoid fatigue and keep the squad in shape for the more demanding matches that follow.
Among the players who could debut in the Cup are Aitor Ruibal, Iker Losada, Diego Conde and Manu González. Goalkeepers Conde and González, as well as defenders, have not had official playing time this season and could take advantage of the opportunity to put their skills under the competition light. Midfield and attacking players, such as Ruibal and Losada, could also receive minutes in the match against Navalcarnero, giving them the chance to prove their worth in a high-pressure environment.
Betis will train on Tuesday at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol and will travel to Alcorcón on the same Wednesday by AVE train. After the match, the team will return to Seville, where they will continue their preparation for the next phase of the Copa del Rey and the league commitments. The result of this match will not only determine progress in the competition, but will also serve as a reference point for squad selection in the upcoming matches of the season.