According to El Diario AS, Real Betis will begin their Copa del Rey campaign on Wednesday against Navalcarnero from Segunda División RFEF at the Santo Domingo stadium in Alcorcón. As this is the first round of the Copa del Rey, manager Pellegrini is expected to make several rotations, but the team must still maintain competitive intensity at a venue where he suffered a setback 17 years ago.
Real Betis will have three confirmed absences for their Copa del Rey debut. Firpo, Cucho Hernández, and Facundo Bernal will all be unavailable. The former two are still recovering from injuries, while the Uruguayan midfielder is serving the second of his four remaining match suspension.
Pellegrini to make changes in goal, José Antonio Morante also expected to start
The absences of Firpo, Cucho, and Bernal will impact Pellegrini's starting lineup. Facing Miguel Zárate's team, Pellegrini is expected to make several rotations. The goalkeeper position will see one of the main changes, as Álvaro Valles will be rested. Both Diego Conde and Manu González will have an opportunity, though the goalkeeper on loan from Villarreal holds a slight edge.
In defense, Bellerin and Ángel Ortiz will compete for a starting spot, with the academy product hoping to continue his run after a strong performance at Balaídos. Bartra and Valentín Gómez will give Natan a rest, while D. Llorente may miss out due to minor discomfort. Fran García, who was rested in the previous match in Vigo, will return to left-back with Firpo sidelined. Carlos Droe is expected to feature, and it is highly likely that one regular starter will be unavailable.
In midfield, with Bernal suspended and Roca needing to be preserved for Saturday's match against Málaga, the manager may deploy Álvaro Fidalgo and Fornals in deeper roles. He could also give Ceballos additional playing time, leaving him on the bench against Málaga.
The attacking midfield is expected to feature fresh faces. José Antonio Morante is likely to replace Antony on the right wing, while Lo Celso, like Morante, needs consistent minutes to regain form. Riquelme will take Abde Ezzalzouli's position, returning to his familiar role.
With Aitor Ruibal available as a versatile option for the right wing and attack, Nelson Deossa could also return to a deeper position. Parrott is expected to start up front, aiming to end his goal drought, while Ruibal will be an option off the bench as he makes his return after more than five and a half months out.